Ariana Grande might have been the woman of the night at the 2013 American Music Awards last night.
Grande followed One Direction onto stage at the Nokia Theatre Sunday night to perform selections from her Yours Truly album. She started with a very short a cappella taste of “Baby I” then led immediately into “Tattooed Heart.” The performance was stripped down and minimalist, effectively showcasing Grande’s extraordinary voice.
The performance earned her enthusiastic praise from the audience, including standing ovations from Lady Gaga and Ciara.
Grande’s dress garnered nearly as much attention as her performance itself. The simple, curve-hugging strapless red sequined Dolce and Gabbana gown earned a few Jessica Rabbit references.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPWr2U6VXxQ
Grande topped off her night by nabbing the coveted New Artist of the Year Award. Other nominees for the award included Florida Georgia Line, Imagine Dragons, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and Phillip Phillips.
She pulled her acceptance speech out of her bodice, explaining that her mother had written the script: “My mom made me this thing and I have it in here so that I don’t forget anybody.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p73YCgWB9VQ
Grande gushed to fans on Twitter:
dude……………….. tonight was the coolest. can't get over it. thank you again #AMAs and my precious precious fans wtf ily.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 25, 2013
I love you guys so so so much. that's all I've been thinking. thank you times a million
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 25, 2013
oh gawd I haven't had my phone all night but thank you thank you thank you, such an exciting night & I owe it to u all. love u with all my
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 25, 2013
That was the most nerve wracking thing ever and I haven't had access to my phone all day but hi y'allllll love u I'm so nervous! u watching?
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 25, 2013
Grande’s fans celebrated with her via Twitter, and are rallying around the performer now in hopes that she’ll win the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Breakout Artist.
RT @Buterasloving: WE CAN WIN THIS
Ariana Grande #PeoplesChoice #breakourartist ♡
— Nick Grande (@AriGrandeLuvsU) November 25, 2013
RT for that girl who nonchalantly pulled out her speech from her dress & read it in 10 seconds. Ariana Grande #breakoutartist #PeoplesChoice
— tika (@arianaskittles) November 25, 2013
we gotta get voting like vote vote VOTE Ariana Grande #breakoutartist #PeoplesChoice
— terry (@GoldenGrandex) November 25, 2013
Image via YouTube