The Wildest American Music Awards Moments Of All Time

Katy Perry found herself under fire after her 2013 performance of ‘Unconditionally,’ which many viewers accused of being culturally insensitive. Dressed in a geisha-inspired kimono with white makeup, Perry performed in front of a Shinto shrine backdrop while dancers twirled fans and umbrellas across the stage. Critics slammed the performance online, accusing Perry of leaning heavily into harmful stereotypes and appropriating Japanese culture. One of the most awkward moments in AMAs history occurred in 1996, when Garth Brooks rejected his Artist of the Year award. During his acceptance speech, Brooks shocked the audience by leaving the trophy onstage, insisting that other artists were more deserving. He later revealed that he believed Hootie & the Blowfish should have taken home the honor instead. Of course, no AMAs list would be complete without Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s matching denim looks at the 2001 ceremony. The head-to-toe denim outfits instantly became pop culture lore for all the wrong reasons, and have somehow become more iconic with time.