WATCH | Blackstage Pass: American Music Awards - video Dailymotion

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American Music Awards host Wayne Brady and performer Yola give ESSENCE an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into what audiences can expect during this year's AMAs.  Today the 50th Annual American Music Awards are being held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and ESSENCE has an exclusive first look at what audiences can expect from the show. This year's host, Wayne Brady, took us behind the scenes of his first soundcheck for a glimpse into what preparing to emcee one of the biggest award ceremonies in music looks like. We also chatted with English singer-songwriter Yola about what we can expect from her performance on the big stage as she wrapped her rehearsal earlier this week.  Beyoncé is the most nominated female artist at this year's AMAs, receiving six nominations, which includes Artist of the Year; Favorite Female Pop Artist; Favorite Pop Album; Favorite Female R&B Artist; Favorite R&B Album; and Favorite R&B Song. Drake also earned six nods, with Tems following behind with four nominations and Latto, three, marking the first time either female artist has been nominated for an AMA.  Anticipation for this year's show is high, and our sneak peek has only heightened our expectations. Check out the video above for an exclusive look at what's in store before tonight's awards.  The 2022 American Music Awards will air live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 8pm EST/5pm PST on ABC.

Transcript

00:0050, 50 years.

00:02Hip hop is 50 years old.

00:04The AMAs, 50 years old.

00:06I am 50 years old.

00:07We all just turned 50.

00:09Is it any coincidence that I'm here?

00:11Absolutely not.

00:12Hey Essence, oh, excuse me.

00:14You see, I was gonna take time and introduce myself

00:17and say that I'm at least for this week

00:19one of the busiest men in Hollywood.

00:22Hey Essence, this is Wayne Brady.

00:24As you see, I am your host for the 2022 AMAs,

00:28the American Music Awards.

00:30So right now I'm gonna give you a brief peek

00:34into our very, very busy schedule.

00:42Look at me, I'm exhausted.

00:45My arm hurts, my knee hurts, my L6, my L7

00:49and all the other alphabet numbers in my back are all hurting.

00:53My feet are hurting from Dancing with the Stars,

00:56getting ready for the finale.

00:58But I'm so happy to be here at the Microsoft Theater

01:03getting ready to kick off the AMA weekend.

01:05It's gonna be amazing.

01:06I think this is an AMA unlike the ones that have come before.

01:11It's, there's an air of celebration.

01:15This is the 50th AMA, so this is special.

01:19This is the 50th one.

01:20So I know the producers and the network

01:23wanted it to be a celebration.

01:24So they wanted to get somebody who, you know, is pretty good, if I say so,

01:28at moving a party along, at steering a show,

01:32at making the audience feel comfortable.

01:34Maybe even being able to sing a little bit himself,

01:37do an improvised song or two, do a little dance number.

01:40So I think the, the entire package for this AMA's, it's joy and celebration.

01:47I'm gonna run into a writer's room.

01:49Then we're gonna go on stage.

01:50I'm gonna rehearse my big opening number with the dancers.

01:53Well, fans can expect real music, real live music.

02:03I'm, I'm gonna be doing all the singing, all the tambourine playing.

02:09I'm gonna be having a whole lot of fun.

02:11It's gonna be like a dance party.

02:12That's what I'm going for.

02:14Um, it's a song I wrote, uh, dedicated to my late mother.

02:18Everyone said they want like a party song for when they pass,

02:22but no one writes one.

02:23So this is what I did.

02:26We're bringing it live, direct.

02:29We're here to have some fun.

02:31So that's what you should expect.

02:33Get up, shake your ass.

02:39Xl

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03:09Xl Cambodia.

WATCH | Blackstage Pass: American Music Awards

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