Best and worst dressed at the American Music Awards 2019 as Taylor Swift smashes it

Kate Halfpenny
Nov 25, 2019, updated Nov 25, 2019

Taylor Swift was the star of the 2019 American Music Awards, taking home five gongs including artist of the decade and beating Michael Jackson’s record of 23 by taking her career tally to 28.

Smashing out some of her biggest early hits after she was cleared to sing them, Swift used fashion to send a message to her arch nemesis Scott ‘Scooter’ Braun.

She kicked off her medley wearing a white shirt with the names of her past albums printed on it in a prison-style font, then mixed it up with a pink cape with circus-style gold leotard.

Her red carpet look was less costume, more couture.

Swift’s deep emerald column was like a rowing zoot suit with half a curtain draped over it, teamed with a polite dominatrix’s boot.

Taylor Swift. Photo: Getty

In terms of statement dressing, Taylor had nothing on best newcomer Billie Eilish. Her head-to-toe Burberry look was modelled on hospital scrubs and teamed with a glittering beekeeper’s bonnet.

Billie Eilish. Photo: Getty

I feel we want to love Halsey’s frilly dress. Super feminine, but cool in a possibly alienating way.

Halsey. Photo: Getty

Camila Cabello was washed out by her meh corset dress that looked like she was hoisting it up to pick her way over rough terrain.

Camila Cabello. Photo: Getty

Dua Lipa’s hot pink number with black bow was sexy and fun. Ace shoes. The wrong jewellery. And Ariana Grande’s signature ponytail.

Dua Lipa. Photo: Getty

Christina Aguilera was most memeworthy in a Jean Paul Gaultier vintage dress with intricate detailing, giant belt and shoulders and hood. Very Grace Jones and totally a moment.

Christina Aguilera. Photo: Instagram

Billy Porter was another fan of voluminous white in a Thom Browne two piece that channeled the Pope and a good Darth Vader. “I’m an American and this is what we look like,” Porter posted.

Billy Porter. Photo: Instagram

Misty Copeland also got the memo and wore military bridal with sandals that weren’t nearly kicky enough.

Misty Copeland.

If you can get past her astonishing quaddies, Carrie Underwood was like a superhero meshed with an aspiring rhythmic gymnast. Or Maleficent having a big night out.

Carrie Underwood. Photo: Getty

Megan Thee Stallion was straightforward: Good colour, great fit, nothing original.

Megan Thee Stallion. Photo: Instagram

Selena Gomez headed the pack who went short and sweet. Her citrus mini with diamond necklace packed a perfect AMAs punch.

Selena Gomez. Photo: Instagram

Lizzo followed suit in an apricot ra ra dress teamed with her own private joke: The world’s smallest bag. Which you may not be able to see.

Lizzo. Photo: Getty

Heidi Klum wore the nightie I bought for my second wedding from an adult shop in the ‘you will look awesome but tacky/desperate’ section.

Heidi Klum. Photo: Getty

Constance Wu totally got it. Music awards aren’t for princess gowns.

Constance Wu. Photo: Getty

Shania Twain decided I Dream of Jeannie hair, statement sleeves and a black mermaid skirt with trailing bits was the way to go.

Shania Twain. Photo: Getty

Kesha was totally stylin’ in a Versace dressing gown and matching boots. Super rock and roll in a way the pretty frocks just weren’t.

Kesha. Photo: Getty

Ciara wore 2003 jazz ballet pants with the night’s most unfathomable top and an oversized blazer in the shade I call ‘menopause blue’.

Ciara. Photo: Getty

Tyra Banks also opted for the pantsuit, with a bra, Lisa Marie Presley expression, hat she wore home from Cabo and weightlifting gloves.

Tyra Banks. Photo: Instagram

The big question is whether Lil Nas X spray-painted his boots. Now here is a man who falls into the category of ‘love to go to the disco with, less delighted if he turned up to take you out’.