The 2018 American Music Awards highlighted a year of streaming records, genre mashups, and emotionally charged performances. Presented in November 2018, the ceremony captured the momentum of late-2010s popular music while celebrating audience-driven choice.
Below is a detailed snapshot of the 2018 American Music Awards nominees and winners, organized for quick scanning and deep context.
| Category | Winner | Top Nominee | Notable Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | Drake | Taylor Swift | Ed Sheeran |
| New Artist of the Year | Cardi B | Camila Cabello | Bazzi |
| Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist | Ed Sheeran | Shawn Mendes | Bruno Mars |
| Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist | Taylor Swift | Ariana Grande | Selena Gomez |
| Favorite Pop/Rock Album | Sweetener – Ariana Grande | Camila – Camila Cabello | ÷ – Ed Sheeran |
| Favorite Hip-Hop/R&B Male Artist | Khalid | Drake | Bruno Mars |
| Favorite Hip-Hop/R&B Female Artist | Cardi B | SZA | H.E.R. |
| Favorite Country Male Artist | Luke Bryan | Jason Aldean | Thomas Rhett |
| Favorite Country Female Artist | Carrie Underwood | Maren Morris | Kacey Musgraves |
| Favorite Country Album | Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves | Rearview Town – Jason Aldean | Girl – Maren Morris |
| Collaboration of the Year | I’m the One – DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne | Back to You – Selena Gomez & David Byrne | Summer Days – Martin Garrix featuring MKTO |
Pop And Rock Award Categories
Pop Fan Favorites
Pop voters responded strongly to streaming-era anthems in 2018. Ariana Grande’s Sweetener album dominated the Pop/Rock categories, while Ed Sheeran’s shape-shifting songwriting earned him key wins. Taylor Swift continued to resonate with AMAs audiences, reinforcing her crossover staying power across pop and alternative moods.
Rock And Alternative Signals
Although rock was less represented in top categories, the presence of pop-inflected alternative tracks underscored how genre boundaries blurred in 2018. The emphasis remained on melodic hooks and vocal-centric productions that translated well across radio and video platforms.
Hip Hop And R&B Award Categories
Hip-Hop Momentum
Hip-hop artists commanded center stage at the 2018 AMAs, with Drake and Cardi B leading multiple nominations. Streaming plays and digital sales heavily influenced the landscape, favoring cross-genre collabs and club-ready production that dominated year-end charts.
R&B Recognition
R&B acts such as Khalid and H.E.R. received prominent nods, reflecting a year where moody, melodic songwriting competed alongside upbeat tracks. The emphasis on authentic storytelling and vocal texture helped these artists stand out amid a crowded field.
Country And Collaborative Highlights
Country Favorites
Country fans showed strong support for veteran stars and rising voices alike. Carrie Underwood’s enduring appeal, combined with Kacey Musgraves’ critical acclaim for Golden Hour, demonstrated the format’s broad commercial reach at the AMAs.
Collaboration Power
Cross-artist partnerships defined much of the 2018 conversation, with DJ Khaled’s I’m the One serving as a prime example. These high-profile collaborations leveraged streaming and social media, translating into early AMAs momentum and large audience vote shares.
Closing Look At 2018 American Music Awards
- Drake’s Artist of the Year win underscored his chart dominance and broad audience appeal.
- Cardi B’s breakthrough New Artist victory highlighted the power of streaming and fan engagement.
- Sweetener by Ariana Grande dominated the Pop/Rock category landscape.
- Genre-blending collaborations shaped the narrative and influenced voting patterns.
- Country acts maintained strong representation, reflecting diverse voter demographics.
- R&B nominees such as Khalid and H.E.R. signaled a shift toward melodic, texture-driven sounds.
- Social media buzz and streaming metrics played a decisive role in AMAs outcomes.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which artist received the most nominations at the 2018 American Music Awards?
Drake led the 2018 American Music Awards with the most nominations, reflecting his dominance across streaming charts and cultural relevance throughout the year.
Who won New Artist of the Year at the 2018 AMAs?
Cardi B won New Artist of the Year at the 2018 American Music Awards, marking a breakthrough moment and highlighting the awards’ focus on audience-voted momentum.
Which album won Favorite Pop/Rock Album in 2018?
Ariana Grande’s Sweetener won Favorite Pop/Rock Album at the 2018 AMAs, showcasing the category’s preference for cohesive pop craftsmanship and streaming-era appeal.
Who took home Collaboration of the Year in 2018?
DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne won Collaboration of the Year, emphasizing the power of star-studded partnerships in driving award-night success.