• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

American Music Awards 2016: Complete Winners List

2:36
All the Best Moments From the 2016 American Music Awards
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
ByJOI-MARIE MCKENZIE
November 20, 2016, 9:37 PM

— -- The 2016 American Music Awards kicked off Sunday night, honoring the best in music this year.

The top honor of the evening -- the Artist of the Year Award -- went to singer Ariana Grande, who said she was "trying not to cry" while accepting her award.

Sting was also honored with "The American Music Award of Merit." In his acceptance speech, the British rocker said he owed a large "debt to American music." He also called Rock and Roll, "America's greatest export."

Still, Canadian artist, Drake, led in nominations with 13 overall, breaking Michael Jackson's record for the most AMA nominations in a single year. The late King of Pop had 11 nods in 1984.

Related Articles

American Music Awards Nominations 2016: See Full List of Nominees

Related Articles

American Music Awards 2015: Winners List

The AMAs broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Here's the complete list of winners that was broadcast live on Sunday night:

FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK
The Chainsmokers
DNCE
WINNER: Twenty One Pilots

FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP
WINNER: Drake – “Views”
Drake and Future – “What a Time to Be Alive”
Fetty Wap – “Fetty Wap”

FAVORITE ARTIST – EDM
WINNER: The Chainsmokers
Calvin Harris
Major Lazer

COLLABORATION
Chainsmokers ft. Daya – “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake ft. Wizkid/Kyla – “One Dance”
WINNER: Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign – “Work From Home”
Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”
Meghan Trainor ft. J. Legend – “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”

FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY
Florida Georgia Line – “H.O.L.Y.”
WINNER: Tim McGraw – “Humble and Kind”
Thomas Rhett – “Die a Happy Man”

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Alessia Cara
The Chainsmokers
DNCE
Shawn Mendes
WINNER: Zayn Malik

FAVORITE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
WINNER: Drake
Fetty Wap
Future

TOP SOUNDTRACK
WINNER: Purple Rain
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Suicide Squad: The Album

FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY
WINNER: Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band

FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE ARTIST
Coldplay
WINNER: Twenty One Pilots
X Ambassadors

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Adele
WINNER: Selena Gomez
Rihanna

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez
WINNER: Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Carrie Underwood

Up Next in Culture—

'Grey's Anatomy' spinoff series set in Texas ordered at ABC

May 19, 2026

Meghan Markle shares never-before-seen wedding photos on 8th anniversary with Prince Harry

May 19, 2026

Nashville to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030

May 19, 2026

Eric Church's commencement address goes viral: What he said

May 19, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News