7 Biggest & best moments at the 2018 American Music Awards

We ranked the stars who took the stage on Tuesday night.

 

Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the American Music Awards for the second year in a row on Tuesday night and we’re grateful the actress brought the laughs during the mildly disappointing event.

Several stars took the stage including Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Halsey, Khalid, Cardi B,  Ella Mai, Mary Mary, Ledisi, and more. While there were a few strong showings from some of our favorite singers, others left us a bit underwhelmed.

Check out our list of the 7 best moments of the American Music Awards

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images For dcp)

The black-ish star impressed us with her hosting skills the second year in a row and her opening number was more entertaining than most of the other performances that followed. The actress chose to wear only Black designers and pulled off several stunning wardrobe changes throughout the night. One of them happened during her opening performance where she showed off her dance moves to hits like “Bodak Yellow”, “This is America,” and “Uptown Funk” among others.

Ciara & Missy Elliott

Ciara & Missy Elliott

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images For dcp)

One of the best moments of the night came when Ciara made her triumphant return to the stage and showed off her super snatch physique and killer dance moves. She was joined by Missy Elliott halfway through her rendition of “Level Up” and the duo brought some much-needed excitement to the dreary show.

Mariah Carey

Mariah carey

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

It’s always an event when Mariah takes the stage, whether or not her vocal are on point. It was fun to see Mimi in her fabulous gown that opened up to reveal several dancers emerging from under her skirt.

Cardi B

Cardi B

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

New mommy, Cardi B served up her second performance since giving birth to daughter, Kulture, when she performed her hit “I Like It Like That.” While it wasn’t our favorite showing from the NY-based rapper, watching her work it so soon after becoming a mom was inspiring and her colorful set was more fun than most of the other performances.

 

PHOTOS: Cardi B, Amara La Negra, Tyra Banks and more stars shine at the 2018 American Music Awards

Ella Mai

Ella Mai

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

The sultry singer weaved through the crowd when she started singing her hit “Boo’d Up” and proved why she’s such a fan favorite. We love that she doesn’t feel the need to show skin to be sexy and her winning smile is almost as stunning as her beautiful voice.

XXXTentacion win

Cleopatra Bernard

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images For dcp)

Late rapper, XXXTentacion took the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album posthumously, his mother, Cleopatra Bernard accepted the trophy on her son’s behalf. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of my son. I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans and to everyone who made this possible. Thank you guys so much; I appreciate this,” she said.

Aretha Franklin tribute

Mary Mary

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images For dcp)

The highlight of the night was the Aretha Franklin tribute featuring Cece Winans, Gladys Knight, Ledisi, and Mary Mary among others. Sisters, Tina and Erica Campbell proved they did not come to play when they ht the stage to close out the show with their powerful pipes on full display.

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