AMAs 2018: Five biggest talking points, from Taylor Swift's call to vote to Gladys Knight’s Aretha Franklin tribute

Also including Mariah Carey's static performance and Billy Eichner getting political

The American Music Awards took place last night (9 October), with Taylor Swift taking home the majority of awards and becoming the most-decorated female artist in AMA history, beating Whitney Houston’s record.

Although the winners were notable, the speeches and performances have captured everyone’s attention. Below are five of the biggest talking points.

Taylor Swift’s call to vote

Having suddenly waded into the realm of politics earlier this week, Swift decided to double down at the AMAs, calling on viewers to register to vote. Considering how, after her initial statement, Vote.org saw a spike in the number of people registering to vote, this could very well get a few more people politically active.

Gladys Knight’s Aretha Franklin tribute

Knight, a friend of the late Franklin, performed a moving tribute to the Queen of Soul, accompanied by Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, starting with a rendition of “Amazing Grace”. The all-star group then belted out an incredible medley of “Climbing Higher Mountains,” “Mary, Don’t You Weep” and “How I Got Over.”

Mariah Carey’s return

There’s no denying Carey can still write a pop banger – as proven by her comeback single “With You”, which she performed last night. However, the online discussion was, unfortunately for the songstress, not really about the actual song, but the way she statically stood still throughout the entire performance. Coming after energetic renditions from Swift and Dua Lipa, the unmoving Carey made for quite a contrast.

Cardi B brings the carnival

Cardi B joined forces with Bad Bunny & J Balvin to perform the massive hit “I Like It”, bringing the carnival with them – and making the censors work overtime. Also during the performance, Saturday Night Live‘s Taran Killam was captured looking absolutely gobsmacked by what was happening.

Billy Eichner gets political

Standing before everyone to present an award, the Billy on the Street star urged everyone to go vote, saying: “If you believe in equality for women, for people of colour, for the LGBTQ community, if you believe climate change is real, then don’t let anyone tell you your vote won’t count.” Of course, the moment couldn’t go by without a Swift mention: “You can go to vote.org like Taylor Swift told you to”.