The biggest names in Black Hollywood showed up as their most authentic selves during last night’s 2018 American Music Awards, held inside the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift was the big winner of the night, earning four AMAs Tuesday night bringing her to a total number of 23 awards earned in her career. That means the pop star passed Whitney Houston’s record of 21 trophies.
Still, other buzzy moments from the show included Cardi B’s return to the stage after giving birth to her first child, a tribute to Aretha Franklin from some of our favs and of course the entire show was hosted by Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross, who only wore Black designers.
Here are our other favorite moments from the American Music Awards.
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Photo by Jeff Kravitz/AMA2018/FilmMagic For dcp
Photo by Kevin Mazur/AMA2018/Getty Images For dcp
Photo by Kevin Mazur/AMA2018/Getty Images For dcp
The Shade Room
Photo by Phillip Faraone/WireImage
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/AMA2018/Getty Images For dcp
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images For dcp
01
T Murda’s Cardi B. Impression
Tracee Ellis Ross kicked off her second year hosting the show with a dance medley that featured music from The Carters, Donald Glover, Ciara, and the “Be Careful” rapper. The proud member of “Bardi Gang” even wore a logo-covered jacket from Dapper Dan’s collaboration with Gucci and an iced out grill during the performance. Talk about attention to detail!
02
A Proper Aretha Franklin Tribute
After the VMA’s disastrous attempt to give the late Queen of Soul her just due we were all a little frightened about another mainstream production celebrating our dearly departed auntie. Luckily somebody pulled the producers to the side and set them straight. Gladys Knight was joined by Ledisi, Donnie Mcclurkin, Mary Mary and Cece Winans, on her journey to the altar and we were glad to be along for the ride.
03
Baby Future’s Shade
The toddler was not as impressed as the rest of us by Ross’ cover of his mama’s megahit. His shady expression was the stuff memes are made of.
04
Cardi B.’s Clapback
Never one to ignore the haters, Cardi once again interrupted her moment to toss an “I told you so” towards the naysayers who thought her career would be canceled once she got pregnant. Isn’t it nice to have something you can always count on?
05
The Shade Room Shout Out
When Ross mentioned The Shade Room during the AMAs, we were in stitches. Our favorite host called the Instagram-based celebrity following “the Black TMZ.”
06
Ciara’s Nod To Bone Crusher’s “Never Scared”
We got super hype when Ciara resurrected the 2003 hit from the southern rapper during her performance. We’ve never seen Khalid smile that wide.
07
Missy Elliott. Enough Said.
From her Gucci sweatsuits and hoop earrings to her blinged out nails and four finger rings, there’s nothing quite like the Black girl magic of Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, and she reminded us of that when she reunited with Ciara on stage.
08
Ella Mai’s Baby Hair
The “Booed Up” singer’s edges were as immaculate as her voice as she sailed down the red carpet in a sky blue suit. Yes, it was a moment.
