2022 AMAs Red Carpet: 13 Viral Fashion Moments and the Shoes That Defined the Night

The American Music Awards have long served as a high-stakes runway for music’s most experimental style icons.

On November 20, 2022, the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles hosted a collection of looks that balanced archival tributes with avant-garde risks.

From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking night in vintage-inspired silhouettes to the heavy presence of platform heels and custom couture, the ceremony provided a definitive snapshot of early-2020s glamour. Below, we break down the most significant fashion moments and the standout footwear that defined the 2022 AMAs.

1. Taylor Swift Celebrates Record AMA Wins in Gold Rhinestone Jumpsuit by The Blonds

The night’s biggest winner, Taylor Swift, won all six categories she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year, extending her record as the most-awarded artist in AMA history with a total of 40 wins.

Although she skipped walking the red carpet, the American singer made a surprise appearance during the ceremony.

Stylist Joseph Cassell shared several photos of Swift from the event, where she wore a sparkling gold rhinestone-encrusted jumpsuit from The Blonds’ Fall 2019 collection.

She paired the halter number with numerous gold rings and bracelets from various jewelry designers, including Delfina Delettrez, Djula, Le Vian, and Al Zain. She also wore earrings by Cathy Waterman and earcuffs by Anita Ko.

For her beauty look, the American singer wore smoky eyeshadow, fluttery eyelashes, and her signature red lip color, which was created by makeup artist Lorrie Turk. She then returned to her country roots with a side-swept curly hairstyle, styled by Jemma Muradian, reminiscent of her Fearless era.

2. Kelly Rowland Commands the Stage in Nicolas Jebran Animal-Print Gown and Valentino Pumps

Chris Brown, who in June 2009 pleaded guilty to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, was named this year’s Favorite Male R&B Artist, prompting boos from the crowd. He beat Giveon, The Weeknd, Brent Faiyaz, and Lucky Daye.

While accepting the award on his behalf, presenter Kelly Rowland asked the audience to “chill out.” She then thanked Chris Brown “for making great R&B music” and “for being an incredible performer.”

Kelly Rowland flaunts her toned legs in a dramatic leopard-print gown by Nicolas Jebran at the 2022 American Music Awards, pairing the bold look with black latex opera gloves and sleek Maison Valentino pointed-toe pumps (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Rowland made sure all eyes were on her as she took to the stage in an animal-print gown by Nicolas Jebran. The wild gown, featuring a mixture of cheetah and leopard prints, gave onlookers a clear view of her cleavage and toned legs.

It had a sequin-trimmed sweetheart neckline and a structured corset bodice that transitioned into a voluminous skirt with a thigh-high slit and a floor-sweeping train.

Kelly Rowland pairs her cheetah-printed gown with Maison Valentino pointed-toe pumps (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Styled by Kollin Carter, the former Destiny’s Child member skipped jewelry and accessorized with a pair of black latex opera gloves from Vex Clothing, and pointed-toe pumps from Maison Valentino.

Her blunt bob and bold red lipstick rounded out her stunning look.

Kelly Rowland wears a blunt bob hairstyle with bold red lipstick and fake lashes (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

3. Pink Revives Cher’s Iconic Bob Mackie “Earthquake” Dress With Giuseppe Zanotti Platforms

Pink made the 2022 AMAs a family affair by hitting the red carpet with her husband, Carey Hart, and their two kids, Willow Sage Hart and Jameson Moon Hart.

The family of four coordinated in sleek black looks, with Carey in an all-black suit and a black-and-silver striped tie.

Their daughter, Willow Sage, donned a black mini dress with long sleeves and feather-trimmed cuffs, while their five-year-old son, Jameson Moon, wore a black suit with a black turtleneck top.

Pink with her kids, Willow Sage and Jameson Moon, and husband Carey Hart at the 2022 AMAs on November 20, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

The Just Give Me A Reason hitmaker couldn’t be missed in a glittery black and gold fringe dress, known as the “Earthquake” dress, from Bob Mackie’s 1987 California collection. It was made using jet sequins and citron bugle-bead fringe, and featured lightning-bolt-effect zigzag mesh paneling down the front.

In an Instagram post, Pink revealed that the archival dress was borrowed from music icon Cher. “It’s been five years since my last @amas … (hanging off the building) so I asked @bobmackie and @cher if I could borrow a couple of legendary dresses.”

Stylist Kim Bowen accessorized Pink’s look with Ralph Masri lightning bolt earrings, Barbed Wire hoops, and Giuseppe Zanotti studded platform heels. You could buy her Giuseppe Zanotti Tarifa Jewel 170mm platform sandals at Farfetch.

These peep-toe sandals, crafted from black patent leather, feature a synthetic suede effect fabric-covered bottom, an adjustable ankle strap with an upper-matching small buckle, and a matching chunky platform and heels with crystal-colored rhinestone embroidery

Hairstylist Pamela Neal brushed her short blonde tresses to one side, while makeup artist Kathy Jeung completed Pink’s look with light pink lipstick and smoky eye makeup.

Pink wears a borrowed Bob Mackie fringe mini dress from Cher’s archive at the 2022 American Music Awards, pairing the black-and-gold “Earthquake” look with towering Giuseppe Zanotti platform heels (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Returning to the AMA stage for the first time in five years, the singer opened the show with a performance of her latest single, Never Gonna Not Dance Again, off her upcoming ninth studio album, Trustfall.

She later returned to the stage to sing Hopelessly Devoted to You in tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John.

4. Carrie Underwood Sparkles in Tony Ward Crystal Fringe Gown With Cult of Coquette Heels

Carrie Underwood may have lost the Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album awards to Taylor Swift, but she took everyone’s breath away with her acrobatic performance of Crazy Angels.

Earlier in the show, the queen of country music made a stunning entrance in a sparkling pink gown from Tony Ward’s Spring 2023 collection.

The cold-shoulder gown featured a plunging neckline, crystal trims, and multicolored crystal bead fringes in pink, blue, and yellow. It also had a thigh-high split that showcased her incredibly toned leg.

Carrie Underwood showcases her toned legs in a pastel pink Tony Ward gown adorned with multicolored crystal bead fringes at the 2022 American Music Awards, pairing the shimmering look with crystal-embellished Cult of Coquette “Shirin” sandals (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

The Calia clothing founder paired her pastel gown with $215 Cult of Coquette “Shirin” heels in rose-pink vegan microsuede. They feature crystal embellishments at the ankle, triple front straps, and 4.5-inch covered heels.

With the help of her stylist, Emma Trask, Carrie added sparkle to her look with Kallati drop earrings and several rings by Loree Rodkin, Nicole Rose Jewelry, Le Vian, and Mega Mega.

Carrie Underwood teams her colorful gown with Cult of Coquette Shirin crystal sandals (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

For her glam, the American Idol Season 4 winner leaned on her trusted hair-and-makeup artist, Melissa Schleicher.

She styled her dark blonde tresses in glamorous waves with a deep side parting and applied matte nude lip color, heavy mascara, and neutral-toned eyeshadow to highlight her gorgeous features.

Carrie Underwood styles her blonde hair in side-parted waves and wears heavy mascara with nude lipstick (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

5. Karrueche Tran Turns Heads in an Architectural Christian Siriano Black Gown

Karrueche Tran attended the 2022 AMAs to present the Favorite Pop Album award to Taylor Swift for her re-recorded album, Red.

The Daytime Emmy winner looked sleek in an architectural black gown by Christian Siriano. Showcasing her hourglass figure, the floor-length number featured a sculpted bodice with an angular cutout and structural detailing, a black skirt with a trumpet hem, and a floor-sweeping modest train.

Karrueche Tran shows off her hourglass curves in an architectural black gown by Christian Siriano at the 2022 American Music Awards, featuring a sculptural neckline, dramatic cutout bodice, and sweeping train (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Karrueche worked with stylist Bryon Javar on her evening look, styled with silver jewelry from Gabriel and Co, Le Vian Jewelry, Candy Ice, and Luvente Fine Jewelry.

She then pulled her long black tresses into a ponytail braid with a curved parting, done by hair artist Yuichi Ishida. The American socialite accentuated her features with purple eyeshadow and honey lipstick, courtesy of Stephen Moleski.

Karrueche Tran wears a ponytail braid with a curved parting and highlights her eyes with purple eyeshadow and honey nude lipstick (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

6. Meghan Trainor Embraces Barbiecore in Sequined Michael Costello Power Suit

Taking the Barbiecore trend to the red carpet, Meghan Trainor posed for photos in a hot pink power suit custom-designed by Michael Costello.

The American singer-songwriter presented the Favorite Rock Artist award to Machine Gun Kelly in the shimmering ensemble composed of a blazer with padded shoulders and matching wide-legged trousers, both decked out in sparkling sequins.

Meghan Trainor embraces the Barbiecore trend in a hot pink sequined power suit by Michael Costello at the 2022 American Music Awards, finishing the sparkling look with platform heels and sharp cat-eye sunglasses (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Showcasing her trimmed-down figure, the mom-of-one cinched the waist with a round crystal buckle. She then wore nothing underneath her blazer, exposing her ample cleavage.

The American artist continued with the pink theme of her look by slipping into a pair of pink platform heels.

Meghan Trainor shows a glimpse of her boobs as she wears nothing underneath her glittery pink blazer (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Drawing further attention to her boobs, Meghan accessorized with a Yessayan diamond necklace. She also added a couple of diamond rings from the same jewelry brand and a pair of earrings by Anabela Chan, which her stylist, Allison Cartagena, selected.

Meghan completed her vivid look with a platinum shag by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos and smoky pink eyeshadow with eyeliner and nude pink lip color by Alison Christian.

Meghan Trainor completes her Barbie look with a platinum shag and soft pink makeup (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

7. Anitta Shows Off Custom Mugler Illusion Gown With Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

Not only did Brazilian singer Anitta make her AMA performance debut on Sunday, but she also took home her first-ever AMAs Favorite Female Latin Artist award.

Arriving at the show, the singer commanded attention in a black-and-white custom Mugler gown that flaunted her enviable curves.

The floor-length illusion dress featured a shimmering, long-sleeved white top and a form-fitting skirt, each embellished with micro-sequins. It also had peekaboo paneling that showed her abs and a glimpse of her butt.

Anitta commands attention in a custom Mugler gown featuring black and white micro sequins and sheer paneling (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Adding more glitz to the look, Anitta styled with Tiffany & Co. platinum-and-diamond earrings, Elsa Peretti chunky cuffs, and several diamond rings. Kudos to stylist Ronnie Hart for curating Anitta’s stunning look.

For her glam, makeup artist Luis Torres highlighted her features with fluttery eyelashes, cat eyeliner, nude lipstick, and smoky eyeshadow. Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero pulled her tresses back into a chic updo, leaving a few strands loose on one side.

Anitta shows a glimpse of her butt through the rear peekaboo sheer panels (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

8. Dove Cameron Channels Gothic Glam in Marc Jacobs Bustier and Skirt

Dove Cameron took to the stage to perform her single “Boyfriend” and accept her New Artist of the Year trophy, thanking the queer community in her speech.

“This is so meaningful to me. I want to start by saying that every award that I ever win will always, first and foremost, be dedicated to the queer community at large.”

The singer, who came out as bisexual in 2020, flaunted her abs and cleavage in a two-piece ensemble from Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2022 collection. She wore a white bustier top with a black floor-length skirt with what appeared to be a deconstructed puffer jacket wrapped around her waist.

Styled by Marta Del Rio, Dove paired the look with black leather fingerless gloves that flexed her “Sculpted XL Stiletto” nails, created by nail artist Juan Alvear.

Dove Cameron flashes her cleavage and abs in a white Marc Jacobs bustier top and a deconstructed black skirt (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

The Descendants actress accessorized with understated jewelry, including a pair of pearl-encrusted hoop earrings and a Martyre pendant necklace.

Continuing with the gothic glamour vibe, Cameron wore graphic eyeliner, mascara, and dark nude lip gloss created by makeup artist Alexandra French. Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins pulled her long hair back into a high ponytail with two plaits framing her face.

Dove Cameron opts for gothic-glam with graphic eyeliner and face-framing plaits (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

9. Bebe Rexha Stuns in Dramatic Red Buerlangma Tulle Gown With Le Silla Boots

Before belting out her Grammy-nominated single, “I’m Good (Blue),” on stage, Bebe Rexha wowed on the red carpet in a voluminous red ruffled gown by Chinese fashion brand Buerlangma.

The singer flaunted her boobs in the striking tulle number with a plunging neckline, exaggerated shoulders that resemble two large red roses, and a puff skirt with a high-low hem and a long sheer train.

Creating a monochromatic look from head to toe, Bebe Rexha paired her red outfit with red gloves from Atelier Biser and red thigh-high boots from Le Silla.

Bebe Rexha flaunts her boobs in a red tulle gown by Buerlangma with matching thigh-high red boots by Le Silla (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Stylist Law Roach cinched the singer’s waist with a black belt and further accessorized her look with a few statement rings. Hairstylist Cesar Deleon Ramirez styled the Meant to Be singer’s hair in a sexy, effortless updo with face-framing strands, while makeup artist Diana Shin glammed her up with Hard Candy makeup.

She applied the Glamoflauge beige foundation with light beige concealer and set it with Sheer Envy loose powder. She finished her beauty look with Instant Summer bronzer, smudge-proof liner, mascara, and Max Pout Clear lip gloss.

Bebe Rexha pulls her tresses into an effortless updo and wears minimal makeup using Hard Candy makeup (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

10. Sabrina Carpenter Shimmers in Oscar de la Renta Metallic Bralette and Mini Skirt

Sabrina Carpenter was dripping in jewels as she presented Taylor Swift with the Favorite Music Video award.

The petite singer and actress showcased her petite frame in a two-piece metallic silver ensemble from Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Spring 2023 collection.

Sabrina Carpenter goes the sultry route in an Oscar de la Renta bralette and mini skirt with rhinestone tassels (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

She wore a square-neck bralette and a matching low-rise miniskirt, both of which featured rhinestones and long tassels. The outfit also had a matching tasseled jacket, which Sabrina chose to skip.

As if the sparkles were not enough, stylist Jason Bolden accessorized Sabrina’s look with chunky rings and a dainty bracelet. She then boosted her 4ft 11 ¾ (151.8 cm) height by several inches with mirror metallic silver platform sandals.

Sabrina Carpenter flashes her abs and legs in the two-piece silver outfit paired with mirror metallic heels (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Her glam team, composed of makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez and hairstylist Jennifer Yepez, continued the flirty vibe of Sabrina’s look.

She wore her blonde tresses in bombshell waves, and her features were accentuated with Armani Beauty bronzed makeup, mascara, eyeliner, and ombre lips.

Sabrina Carpenter keeps the look flirty with bombshell waves and ombre lips (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

11. Latto Goes Gothic in Dilara Findikoglu Corseted Bodysuit With Femme LA Pumps

Although she lost all three of her nominations, Latto did leave an impression when she posed on the red carpet in a sultry gothic ensemble by Turkish-British fashion designer Dilara Findikoglu.

The rapper and singer displayed her curves in a black corseted bodysuit, allowing her to show off her tattoos. Dilara Findikoglu’s eye for dark, gothic fashion complemented Latto’s confident aura.

Latto showcases her tattoos and shapely legs in a black corseted bodysuit by Dilara Findikoglu (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

The lingerie-style number featured a high neck and lace detailing from the neck down to the waist. It also had a see-through black mesh overlay veiling her head and legs.

Styled by Sam Woolf, the Big Energy singer wore a pair of “Macallan” slingback pumps by Femme LA. They were handmade from clear PVC, which revealed her silver pedicure, and featured elasticated back straps and 4.75-inch spiked stiletto heels.

Latto’s BDSM outfit features a black mesh overlay, which she paired with Femme LA clear pumps (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Adding some glitz to the BDSM-style outfit, Latto accessorized with black-and-silver jewelry from Hoorsenbuhs, Le Vian Jewelry, and Neil Lane.

Makeup artist Priscilla Ono kept Latto’s look hot with cat eyeliner, fluttery eyelashes, and matte red lipstick, while hairstylist Lace Assassin styled her dark tresses in a neat bun with a wavy hairline.

Latto keeps things sultry with cat eye flick and bold red lipstick (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

12. Kim Petras Pays Tribute to Britney Spears in Blumarine Denim Mermaid Gown

Presenter Kim Petras accepted the Favorite Pop Song award for this year’s winner, Harry Styles, who was missing at the ceremony.

The German singer opted for a Blumarine jean gown evocative of the iconic jean dress Britney Spears wore to the 2001 AMAs.

Kim Petras channels Britney Spears in a curve-hugging denim mermaid gown by Blumarine at the 2022 American Music Awards, accessorizing the throwback look with a studded mini denim handbag and a statement cross necklace (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Petras narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction as she posed for photos on the red carpet, displaying her cleavage.

Her dress had a low sweetheart neckline held up by thin straps, a form-fitting silhouette, and a mermaid hem with a short train. It was also embellished with copper studs and finished with a buckled belt.

Trans pop star Kim Petras shows ample cleavage in the denim gown with a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid hem (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

The trans singer drew further attention to her boobs with a vintage cross necklace from Lidow Archive. She then kept the rest of her look simple and carried a denim purse to match her outfit.

Hairstylist Iggy Rosales simply styled Kim Petras’ waist-length hair straight, while makeup artist Gilbert Soliz applied light makeup with nude lipstick.

Kim Petras wears minimal makeup and styles her long blonde tresses straight (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

13. Machine Gun Kelly Rocks Spiked Dolce & Gabbana Suit With Studded Platform Boots

One of the evening’s most notable looks was that of Machine Gun Kelly’s. The rapper won the Favorite Rock Artist award and took to the stage in a dangerous-looking suit by Dolce & Gabbana.

Machine Gun Kelly takes home the Favorite Rock Artist award in a purple suit embellished with long gunmetal spikes (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Looking sharp (literally), MGK wore a custom purple wool suit covered in long gunmetal spikes. He wore nothing under the jacket, revealing his chest tattoos.

Adding more spikes to the look, Megan Fox’s fiancé slipped into chunky platform boots embellished with pyramid studs. Multiple earrings, rings, and a spiky chain necklace accessorized his already striking outfit.

Machine Gun Kelly styles his sharp outfit with a matching spiky necklace and chunky boots (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

More Celebrity Shoe Moments From the 2022 American Music Awards

The 2022 American Music Awards proved once again that the red carpet is as much about footwear as it is about fashion. From towering platform heels and sculptural pumps to bold boots and statement sandals, the night delivered a wide range of memorable shoe moments that helped define each star’s look.

If you enjoyed these standout AMA outfits, explore more celebrity shoe and fashion stories featuring the artists who lit up the red carpet.