American Music Awards 2008 Performances

KanYe West, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Ne-Yo, P!nk and Leona Lewis (amougst others) hit the American Music Awards last night and came through with some pretty serious performances.

KanYe West – “Heartless”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZrSsJ1Yvks]

You cannot fault the man with his performances. He gives his all every single time. I still don’t love or hate 808′s but I really am enjoying the debate that everyone seems to be having about the album. This is what music is all about, right? It’s about experimentation, it’s about conversation and it’s of course, about creativity (with stimulates all of the above) so for that reason alone, I love the album. But generally, I’m still figuring it out/finding out what I really, really think about it < which is dope.

Before you hit the other performances, check out Ye’s acceptance speech on winning “Best Rap/Hip Hop Album” for Graduation:

[redlasso id="a74340d0-1b1c-4e74-83d5-9e4176009971"]

LOL. It’s funny, but he’s right…no?

Beyonce – “Single Ladies”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmZCkEQACVg]

No one can touch Beyonce. Her live performances are just too much. I honestly do not understand how she jumps around the way she does when performing “Single Ladies” and yet still manages to deliever a flawless vocal. It just doesn’t make sense. Shes dope. Her new album…eh, not so much. I can’t say I’m feelin’ it too tough – which sucks.

Rihanna – “Rehab”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhD8VGnQolE]

Eh. Ri-Ri’s vocals were not tight. I wasn’t really feelin’ the performance (sorry stans). I’m usually a big supporter of this young ladies, not because she has the best voice in the world, but because she’s crazy successful and is working with what she has. But nah, this isn’t the best live performance, especially when following Beyonce.

Alicia Keys – “Superwoman”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG7YlyAWxuc]

Ah man. THAT’S why I love Alicia Keys so, so, so much. A true musician if ever there was one. An R&B/Soul singer bringing out one of the best female rappers of our time with one of the best female African American soprano’s on stage together? Amazing. Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah and Kathleen Battle. Killed it.

Ne-Yo – “Miss Independent” / “Closer”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNFlB2dH36g]

Ne-Yo did his thing. Year of the Gentleman is one of my favourite R&B albums of 08. He’s definitely doing his thing and this performance proves he can do it 100% live too. Actually one of my fav’ performances of the night.

Leona Lewis – “Better in Time”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNUafD5Hqa8]

Granted, I hate this song, Leona Lewis’ voice cannot be f*cked with. Standard. I’m stupidly proud of this lady. She’s had an incredible year and rightfully so. And er…She’s a Brit performing on the American Music Awards? That’s huge! We all know she isn’t exactly the most charismatic person in the world, but with a voice like that – eh, does that really matter?  I think Lewis’ will find herself in the coming years…She’s like 23! But yea, I really hate this song lol.

Pink – “Sober”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ9wg8XdRHo]

I’m always impressed with Pink’s live performances. No one really is doing what she does and no one really sounds like her. I’m feelin’ this tune. “Sober” is the second single following her US and UK number one “So What” – good choice me thinks.

Christina Aguilera – “Beautiful” / ”Keeps Getting Better” / “Gennie in a Bottle” / “Dirrty” / “Aint No Other Man” / “Fighter”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOA7U_CcGkk]

Wow. Christina actually packed a decade of hits into one performance! Haha! That’s pretty cool, I guess? I enjoyed the performance but I kinda think she’s lost that something ‘special’ we saw with the Strippedalbum. Maybe that’s just because we haven’t heard anything new from in a minute? Her last album sucked.

Mariah Carey – “I Stay In Love”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0OaF6TghHk]

Honestly, I just don’t see why MC bothers anymore. Firstly, this song sucks ass. Secondly, why doesn’t she MOVE? Thirdly, sharing the stage with the likes of Beyonce, Leona Lewis, Pink etc makes you wonder if a Ms. Carey-Cannon performance is really relevant? It’s crazy to say that, but let’s be real, she really cant compete (musically, performance-wise or vocally (sh*t!?)) with any of the females who performed last night. Of course, you can never take away her achievements. The woman ruled the 90′s and has broken all records, but eh…I’m done with this chick. Deep right?

WOW. The American Music Awards did their thing this year. That’s a whole list of A-List performers, all at the top of their game right now. I’m very impressed.

Peace, Love & AMA’s

Speeakz