American Music Awards Predictions

Image courtesy of billboard.com

By: Akii Butler and Erin Keller

The 2016 American Music Awards are this Sunday and everyone is freaking out. Unlike the Grammys, fans vote for their favorite artist in hopes that they will win their category.

This years nominations were announced on Good Morning America by platinum selling recording artists, Rachel Platten and Joe Jonas who are also nominated this year as well.

Being the music lovers that we are we each picked an artist that we thought would win and explained why. Check it out below!

Artist of the Year

Nominees:
Adele
Beyoncé
Justin Bieber
Drake
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
Carrie Underwood
The Weeknd

Predictions:
Akii: Beyoncé – Queen Bey has had a tremendous year. She performed at the super bowl yet again, released her critically acclaimed, sixth consecutive #1 album and went on a major stadium tour. She should have this in the bag right?
Erin: Ariana Grande –  Ari’s had an amazing 2016 and shows no signs of stopping recently admitting she’s already completed her third studio album

New Artist of the Year [Un-Leashed By T-Mobile]

Nominees:
Alessia Cara
The Chainsmokers
Dnce
Shawn Mendes
Zayn

Predictions:
Akii: Zayn – His first solo single debuted and peaked at #1 on the Hot100 while his album did the same on the album charts. Plus he has a legion of fans behind him. This is his year.
Erin: The Chainsmokers – The dynamic duo brought everybody “Closer” this year with the catchy hit after hit.

Collaboration of the Year

Nominees:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”
Fifth Harmony Featuring Ty Dolla $Ign “Work From Home”
Rihanna Featuring Drake “Work”
Meghan Trainor Featuring John Legend “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”

Predictions:
Akii: Fifth Harmony Featuring Ty Dolla $Ign “Work From Home” – We all know that Work From Home was the better “work” song released this year, sorry Rih. On top of that the video has 1 BILLION VIEWS and it has already beat out Rihanna and Beyonce for a VMA. *Mic Drop*
Erin: Rihanna Featuring Drake “Work” – This song is iconic. It deserves all the praise.

Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock

Nominees:
Justin Bieber
Drake
The Weeknd

Predictions:
Akii: Justin Bieber – As much as I hate to say this, Bieber has had an extremely successful comeback, and his fanbase is as strong as ever. He’s got this one in the bag.
Erin: Drake – With the release of Views and the constant attention of Drake and Rihanna’s relationship, Drake is a hot topic nowadays.

Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock

Nominees:
Adele
Selena Gomez
Rihanna

Predictions:
Akii: Rihanna – Okay let’s be real here, Kiss It Better>the other two’s discography.
Erin: Adele – Adele seems to win every award she’s nominated for, so congrats in advance, girl!

Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock

Nominees:
The Chainsmokers
Dnce
Twenty One Pilots

Predictions:
Akii: Twenty One Pilots – These guys have released hit after hit and have not let up since “Blurryface”. “Ride” alone deserves an award.
Erin: Twenty One Pilots – The boys of “Blurryface” keep gaining popularity and this award would send their fans through the roof.

Favorite Album – Pop/Rock

Nominees:
Adele “25”
Justin Bieber “Purpose”
Drake “Views”

Predictions:
Akii: Adele “25” – For some reason every time this woman releases an album she just hijacks all of the award so congrats.
Erin: Justin Bieber “Purpose” – Love him or hate him, Purpose is a solid album. Super solid.

Favorite Song- Pop/Rock

Nominees:
Adele “Hello”
Justin Bieber “Love Yourself”
Drake Featuring Wizkid & Kyla “One Dance”

Predictions:
Akii: Adele “Hello” – This song was huge, and america fell in love with it. It’s the obvious winner.
Erin: Justin Bieber “Love Yourself” – “My momma don’t like you and she likes everyone.” That should win for Diss of the Year.

Favorite Male Artist – Country

Nominees:
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett
Blake Shelton

Predictions:
Akii: Blake Shelton – I mean, he’s on the voice so I guess he’s more popular than the others.
Erin: Luke Bryan

Favorite Female Artist – Country

Nominees:
Kelsea Ballerini
Cam
Carrie Underwood

Predictions:
Akii: Carrie Underwood – She has to win, all of her albums went platinum besides one.
Erin: Carrie Underwood – Carrie Underwood remains the queen of country music.

Favorite Duo or Group – Country

Nominees:
Zac Brown Band
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion

Predictions:
Akii: Zac Brown Band – I don’t know much about them but I do know they had a pretty big year, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they snatched the award.
Erin: Florida Georgia Line – These guys have been unstoppable since “Cruise.”

Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop

Nominees:
Drake
Fetty Wap
Future

Predictions:
Akii: Future – No he was not the one who released Panda, but his music is good too.
Erin: Drake – Is it too late to elect Drake For President?

Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B

Nominees:
Chris Brown
Bryson Tiller
The Weeknd

Predictions:
Akii: Bryson Tiller – If you are thinking of anyone else to win this category…Don’t.
Erin: The Weeknd

Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B

Nominees:
Beyoncé
Janet Jackson
Rihanna

Predictions:
Akii: Beyoncé – She’s King Bey, Why wouldn’t she win.
Erin: Beyoncé

Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock

Nominees:
Coldplay
Twenty One Pilots
X Ambassadors

Predictions:
Akii: X Ambassadors – “Unsteady” alone deserves this award, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they won.
Erin: Twenty One Pilots – Twenty One Pilots’ strong fan base will not let them down. I can see Tyler Joseph’s tweet now: “This is your award. thank you”

Tune into the 2016 American Music Awards on Sunday Nov. 20 to see the official results!