Why was The Weeknd covered in bandages at the AMAs?

R&B star The Weeknd won three prizes at Sunday’s American Music Awards – with his face covered in bandages.

The Canadian star, who was named best soul artist, made no reference to his unusual appearance, which prompted concern from some viewers.

It came after he took to the stage with a bloodied face at the MTV VMAs earlier this year.

However, the make-up and bandages are part of an anti drink-driving message he has been promoting in his new music.

Speaking to Esquire earlier this year, the singer explained that his hit single Blinding Lights is about “how you want to see someone at night, and you’re intoxicated, and you’re driving to this person and you’re just blinded by streetlights.

“I don’t want to ever promote drunk driving, but that’s what the dark undertone is.”

The star, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, thanked Prince as he picked up the prize for best R&B album at Sunday night’s ceremony.

“Last time I received this award, it was given to me by the late great Prince,” he said.

“And you know, he’s the reason I get to constantly challenge the genre of R&B, and I’d like to dedicate this award to him. Thank you.”

Elsewhere at the ceremony, Taylor Swift was named artist of the year for a record-extending sixth time.

Accepting the prize via satellite, the star confirmed she was re-recording her old music, in the midst of a very public feud over the ownership of her master tapes.

“This is a fan voted award, which means so much to me,” said Swift. “You guys have been beyond wonderful. All the years of my career, but especially this one, when we’ve been so far apart, we haven’t been able to see each other in concert, but I still feel connected to you.

“I’m actually re-recording all of my old music in the studio where we originally recorded it,” she added. “I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Swift won two further prizes: best music video for Cardigan and favourite female pop/rock artist – taking her all-time tally to 32, more than any other artist in the ceremony’s history.

The awards show took place in front of a limited audience “in small groups, from the same families”.

Host Taraji P Henson said the guests “had been tested for Covid-19”. The small crowd, all wearing masks, were seen applauding and cheering from the balcony of the Microsoft Theatre throughout the show.

They were treated to performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes and Nelly, who performed a medley of hits from his debut album Country Grammar, marking its 20th anniversary.

Billie Eilish was bathed in red for the live debut of her new single, Therefore I Am, while Katy Perry and Darius Rucker delivered a heartfelt rendition of the ballad Only Love.

And Jennifer Lopez and Maluma gave a preview of the chemistry they’re bringing to the big screen in the 2021 rom-com Marry Me, with a smouldering performance of their collaborative singles Pa’ Ti and Lonely – which ended with Lopez performing a Flashdance-esque chair routine.

Not all the performances took place in LA: Dua Lipa danced her way through the hit single Levitating from London’s Royal Albert Hall, flying into the air amidst a glitter snowstorm as the song reached its climax.

And BTS beamed in from an empty stadium in Seoul, singing Life Goes On and Dynamite while fireworks exploded around them.

The Korean band also picked up best group and favourite social artist at the ceremony.

Other notable winners included former One Direction star Harry Styles, who won his first solo AMA award – best pop/rock album for last year’s Fine Line.

Rapper Juice Wrld was posthumously named best male hip-hop artist, while Dua Lipa won best pop song for Don’t Start Now.

Country duo Dan & Shay and pop star Justin Bieber both won three prizes each – sharing two for their duet 10,000 Hours.

After winning favourite Latin female artist, Becky G gave one of the night’s most emotional speeches, telling a story about her Mexican immigrant grandfather, and dedicating her win to immigrant workers and immigrant families.

“I proudly wave both flags – Mexican and American,” she said. “Like many, many children and grandchildren of immigrants, no matter where they’re from, we have learned from the ones before us what sacrifice and hard work looks like.

“I dedicate this award to all of our immigrant workers in this pandemic and the students and immigrant families. It’s because of my family that I stand here today.”

Artist Of The Year

New Artist Of The Year

Collaboration Of The Year

Favourite Social Artist

Favourite Music Video

Favourite Male Artist – Pop/Rock

Favourite Female Artist – Pop/Rock

Favourite Duo Or Group – Pop/Rock

Favourite Album – Pop/Rock

Favourite Song – Pop/Rock

Favourite Male Artist – Country

Favourite Female Artist – Country

Favourite Duo Or Group – Country

Favourite Album – Country

Favourite Song – Country

Favourite Male Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop

Favourite Female Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop

Favourite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop

Favourite Song – Rap/Hip-Hop

Favourite Male Artist – Soul/R&B

Favourite Female Artist – Soul/R&B

Favourite Album – Soul/R&B

Favourite Song – Soul/R&B

Favourite Male Artist – Latin

Favourite Female Artist – Latin

Favourite Album – Latin

Favourite Song – Latin

Favourite Artist – Alternative Rock

Favourite Artist – Adult Contemporary

Favourite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational

Favourite Artist – Electronic Dance Music

Favourite Soundtrack

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