Taylor Swift was the big winner at the American Music Awards (AMA) on Tuesday night where she used her platform to urge her fans to get out and vote.
The 28-year-old pop singer won a record fourth artist of the year trophy at the fan-voted awards show, beating rappers Drake and Post Malone, as well as Ed Sheeran and rock band Imagine Dragons for the top prize.
She also picked up three other awards, for best female pop artist, best tour, and best pop album for Reputation, the biggest seller of 2017.
It's your artist of the year, @TaylorSwift13! #AMAs pic.twitter.com/wVCezzkuUq
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) October 10, 2018
On Sunday, Taylor had caused a stir by breaking her silence on politics and announcing she would vote for two Democrats in Tennessee in the US congressional mid-term elections in November.
Then on Tuesday, she told the AMA audience in Los Angeles and millions watching at home to vote, which caused a spike in voter registration.
Is it cool that she said all that? Of course it is. @taylorswift13 accepts the award for #AMAs Artist of the Year! 🎉 #TaylorSwiftAMAs pic.twitter.com/EmTzjlB8uH
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) October 10, 2018
“This award and every single award given out tonight is voted on by the people. And you know what else is voted on by the people? The mid-term elections of November 6. Get out and vote,” Swift said.
Asked to comment on Taylor’s remarks, Republican US President Donald Trump said: “Let’s just say I like her music about 25% less now.”
She has a BIG reputation and she had a HUGE year. @taylorswift13 is your #AMAs Artist of the Year! #TaylorSwiftAMAs pic.twitter.com/m7r4j9csKm
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) October 10, 2018
Meanwhile, Cardi B brought down the house with her performance of dance hit I Like It with J. Balvin and Bad Bunny.
The rapper was also named favourite hip hop/rap artist, but she lost the best new artist category to Camila Cabello.
Other winners included Post Malone (male pop/rock artist), Khalid (male soul/R&B artist), and country star Carrie Underwood, who accepted her 13th American Music Award.
Boy band BTS became the first Korean group to win an AMA, taking the trophy for favourite social artists.
Gladys Knight led a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died of cancer in August at age 76. Other performers included Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Missy Elliott.