On November 18, 2012, at the 40th Annual American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, red-carpet glamour was defined not just by dazzling gowns but by the footwear anchoring them.
From classic peep-toe pumps to sculptural sandals and high-impact booties, the evening offered a clear snapshot of how shoes carried the visual weight of an era obsessed with shine, height, and statement finishes. Metallics, crystals, and glossy textures dominated from the ground up—proof that even in a sea of sparkle, it’s the footwear that ultimately determines whether a look feels balanced or overwhelming.
👠 Jump to a Shoe Moment (2012 AMAs):
More than a decade later, these moments remain worth revisiting—not for nostalgia alone, but for the styling lessons they still offer: how proportion, heel choice, and finish can elevate a red-carpet look long after the flashbulbs fade.
1. Hillary Scott Lets Sculptural Peep-Toe Pumps Carry an All-Black AMAs Look
Joining singer-actress Lucy Hale in a coordinated moment of modern black, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum leaned into a sleek, leg-forward silhouette that felt confident rather than predictable.
Hillary Scott wears a black dress at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards
She chose a black Burberry little black dress, reinforcing her now-signature darker aesthetic, and finished the look with black suede platform pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti Design.
Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012
A gold metallic clutch and statement jewelry by David Webb completed the ensemble, keeping the focus anchored at ground level while allowing the footwear’s bold heel detail to stand out.
Hillary Scott accessorizes her all-black look with statement jewelry by David Webb, stacking bold rings and a chain-link bracelet alongside a sleek gold clutch for a polished red-carpet finish
The shoes did the heavy lifting: featuring a rounded open toe, a substantial front platform, and a high-contrast gold-tone metallic stiletto heel, the pumps added structure, height, and visual tension beneath the streamlined dress.
Close-up of Hillary Scott’s black suede Giuseppe Zanotti Design platform pumps, featuring a rounded open toe, substantial front platform, and a striking gold-tone metallic stiletto heel anchoring her all-black look
2. Heidi Klum Doubles Down on Gold With Louboutin Pumps Beneath Couture
The German television personality delivered a red-carpet moment that still invites debate—less for the dress than for what grounded it from the ground up.
Heidi Klum flaunts her legs at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 2012
Fresh off her bold appearance at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards, Klum leaned fully into gold, choosing a high-neck, cap-sleeved embroidered mini from Alexandre Vauthier’s Fall 2012 couture collection.
Heidi Klum arrives at the 40th Annual American Music Awards wearing a gold embroidered Alexandre Vauthier Fall 2012 couture mini dress, styled with sleek pulled-back hair and oversized hoop earrings
While the silhouette and daring hemline sparked conversation, the look ultimately hinged on her footwear: gold embroidered pointy-toe pumps by Christian Louboutin, styled to echo the couture craftsmanship above.
A rear angle highlights the intricate gold embroidery and sheer illusion panels of Heidi Klum’s couture mini dress as she poses on the AMAs red carpet
It’s a reminder that even the most provocative red-carpet outfits are remembered—or reconsidered—based on how convincingly the shoes anchor the statement.
Heidi Klum’s embroidered Christian Louboutin point-toe pumps featuring towering stiletto heels and signature red soles
The daring hemline may have divided opinion, but it was Heidi Klum’s footwear that ultimately held the look together—her gold embroidered pumps echoing the dress’s couture craftsmanship. Below, the same Christian Louboutin heels appear as styled on the Alexandre Vauthier Fall 2012 couture runway.
The gold embroidered Christian Louboutin pumps as styled on the Alexandre Vauthier Fall 2012 couture runway, designed to echo the collection’s ornate craftsmanship
3. Kesha Disrupts Lace Softness With Louboutin × Mugler Platform Booties
She styled her amazing Christian Louboutin boots with a subdued pink lace dress and accessorized with a Karma El Khalil ear cuff and a Dana Rebecca Designs bracelet.
Kesha wears her platinum-blonde hair in soft waves, accenting the look with dramatic black eyeliner and a sculptural gold ear cuff on the red carpet
Kesha arrives at the 2012 American Music Awards in a blush-toned, intricately cut cocktail dress, pairing the soft silhouette with dramatic black suede platform heels for sharp contrast on the red carpet
A close-up highlights Kesha’s black suede platform pumps, featuring crisscross cutout detailing at the vamp and towering stiletto heels that ground the feminine dress with edge
Black suede Christian Louboutin Donue open-front booties featuring a sculptural cutout silhouette, dramatic platform, and signature red lacquered sole
4. Kelly Rowland Refines Head-to-Toe Sparkle With Crystal-Trim Gucci Sandals
Kelly Rowland at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California on November 18, 2012
Kelly Rowland poses on the red carpet at the 40th Annual American Music Awards, wearing a geometric, crystal-embellished Naeem Khan mini dress paired with sleek, high-heel sandals
A close-up highlights Kelly Rowland’s strappy, crystal-trim sandals, whose slim stiletto heels and vertical embellishment elongate the leg beneath her fitted mini dress
Beige suede Gucci Naomi crystal sandals featuring a slim platform, towering stiletto heel, and a jewel-encrusted T-strap that adds refined sparkle.
5. Christina Aguilera Reveals Crystal Jimmy Choo Pumps Beneath a Dramatic Halter Gown
Christina Aguilera at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California on November 18, 2012
At the 2012 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, Christina Aguilera turned heads in a dramatic purple ombré Pamella Roland gown that played up her curves and polished platinum-blonde bob.
Christina Aguilera debuts a sleek platinum-blonde bob with blunt bangs, pairing softly contoured makeup and shimmering eyeshadow with her lilac-toned evening look at the 2012 American Music Awards
Still, the real standout was her crystal-studded Jimmy Choo “Sugar” satin peep-toe pumps from the brand’s Cruise 2012 collection—glamorous heels that peeked out from beneath her gown and added a dazzling finishing touch to an unforgettable red-carpet moment.
Christina Aguilera poses on the red carpet in a flowing lilac chiffon gown with layered draping and a thigh-high slit, finishing the look with sparkling platform heels and a coordinating clutch at the 2012 American Music Awards
Playing to the cameras, Christina Aguilera lifts the hem of her gown to reveal her towering platform heels, adding movement and attitude to her red-carpet moment
Metallic Dresses and High-Shine Shoes Defined the AMAs Red Carpet
Flat tonal sequins on Carrie Underwood’s dress and metallic embroidery thread on Heidi Klum’s mini dress showcased shimmery sheen on the red carpet.
Pink looked marvelous in bronze metallic leather, while Nicki Minaj was literally glowing in her bright neon yellow gown. (Side note: We previously saw Nicki Minaj’s dress on Julie Bowen at the 2012 Emmy Awards!)
Carrie Underwood, nominated for Favorite Country Female Artist alongside Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert—and also up for Favorite Country Album—brought high-neck elegance to the American Music Awards red carpet in a sparkling Abed Mahfouz Fall/Winter 2012–2013 gown.
The purple, cap-sleeve design shimmered under the lights, its etched front pattern adding structure to the sleek silhouette. Opting for a polished high bun in place of her usual waves, Underwood let the gown’s rich hue stand out against her platinum-blonde hair.
She accessorized with a gold Jill Milan “450 Sutter” clutch and rose-gold Jacob & Co. chandelier earrings from the Lace collection, finishing the look with Giuseppe Zanotti heels that grounded the dramatic eveningwear with refined glamour.
Carrie Underwood in a purple sequin cap-sleeve Abed Mahfouz gown at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Heidi Klum in a gold lace mini dress from Alexandre Vauthier’s Fall 2012 Couture collection at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Nicki Minaj in a lime-green draped trumpet dress from Monique Lhuillier at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Pink in a bronze Catherine Deane gown at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Subtle Sparkle Paired With Neutral, Refining Footwear
Kelly Rowland, Taylor Swift, and Ginnifer Goodwin opted for a more subtle sparkle. It was a smattering of gemstones for Kelly, square sequins interlaced with lace for Taylor, and an intricate web detailed with sequins for Ginnifer:
Kelly Rowland in a Naeem Khan Fall 2012 dress and taupe strappy Gucci sandals at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Taylor Swift, nominated for Favorite Country Female Artist, led the evening’s golden looks in a shimmering Zuhair Murad pre-Fall 2012 long-sleeve mini dress intricately beaded with lace and sequins that caught the light as she posed for the cameras.
The short silhouette balanced youthful sparkle with polish, complemented by a sleek pulled-back updo, nude lipstick, and softly smoldering eye makeup.
She finished the look with Neil Lane jewelry and nude Jimmy Choo Loila sandals, grounding the radiant ensemble with understated elegance and reinforcing her signature golden-girl red-carpet style.
Taylor Swift in a nude-toned metallic mini dress from Zuhair Murad at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Ginnifer Goodwin delivered one of the most memorable looks of the 2012 American Music Awards by sidestepping pop-star flash in favor of a refined mod-meets-romantic aesthetic that aligned perfectly with her signature pixie-cut style. While much of the red carpet leaned toward overt glamour, Goodwin’s choice felt deliberate, playful, and fashion-literate.
She wore a bubblegum-pink cocktail dress from Oscar de la Renta’s Resort 2013 collection, richly embroidered with floral sequins that gave the short silhouette unexpected weight and texture. The high funnel neckline, short sleeves, and gently flared skirt nodded to a 1960s tea-dress silhouette, reinforcing the retro mood without tipping into costume.
Ginnifer Goodwin in an Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 cocktail dress at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
The look was grounded with silver Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals, a red-carpet staple whose delicate straps balanced the dress’s dense embellishment. She carried a mirrored Judith Leiber rectangle clutch, while diamond stud earrings by Harry Winston added polish without distraction.
Goodwin’s beauty choices kept the sweetness in check: her pixie crop was styled with piecey texture, paired with a dramatic smoky eye and a soft pink lip that echoed the dress. Attending with her Once Upon a Time co-star and future husband Josh Dallas, she later took the stage alongside Jennifer Morrison to present the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist to Usher—cementing the moment as one of the night’s most thoughtfully styled appearances.
Bold Color Statements Anchored by Confident Heel Choices
Hayden Panettiere smoldered in a flirty, sparkly mini dress, Elisha Cuthbert didn’t shy away from a glamorous golden gown, and Carly Rae Jepsen stood out in a sweet, heavily beaded pink mermaid gown. It was either go big or go home for these celebrities!
Hayden Panettiere flaunts her sexy legs in an Armani dress and handbag with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and jewels by Jacqueline Nerguizian at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Carly, who performed her new single “This Kiss” during the show, completed her outfit with an Edie Parker clutch, Brian Atwood shoes, and Effy jewelry.
Elisha Cuthbert shines on the red carpet in a strapless gold sequined gown from Editions by Georges Chakra’s Spring 2011 collection at the 2012 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Carly Rae Jepsen in a Gomez-Gracia dress at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
More Standout Shoe Moments From the American Music Awards
The American Music Awards have long served as a proving ground for red-carpet footwear—where statement heels, bold platforms, and directional styling often define a look as much as the outfit itself.
If this moment caught your eye, these curated highlights trace how shoes have continued to anchor some of the AMAs’ most talked-about fashion moments across different years.
👠 American Music Awards — Shoe & Fashion Highlights from Your Next Shoes
- ✨ Top Fashion Hits & Misses at the 2022 AMAs — A year-by-year look at standout red-carpet styles and footwear from stars like Taylor Swift, Kelly Rowland, and Pink.
- 👠 11 Hot Celebrity Feet and Shoes at the 2017 AMAs — A fashion-forward roundup of the season’s standout red-carpet shoe moments.
- 👡 The Most Iconic Shoes on the 2019 AMAs Red Carpet — From Stuart Weitzman sandals to Vivier metallics & Steve Madden pumps, a look at unforgettable footwear.
- 👠 Christina Aguilera’s Crystal Jimmy Choo Pumps at the 2012 AMAs — A classic red-carpet shoe moment spotlighting glittering satin peep-toe heels.
- ⭐ Lucy Hale’s Red Brian Atwood Pumps at the 2012 AMAs — A standout youthful look featuring bold red heels.