This year’s American Music Awards, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, saw a lot of firsts, amazing performances, and viral duds. If you missed its live airing this morning, here are the 8 highlights of the annual awards show!

Jamie Foxx and his daughter’s intro speech

The AMAs this year opened on a somber mood with Jamie Foxx and his daughter standing onstage to talk about the tragic events that have happened and have been happening not only in the US but around the world this year. They cited all the shootings, hate crimes, and natural disasters, saying that 2017 is the year that “tested our faith.”

“We needed the power of music to help us escape the news of the day we needed the power of music to help us heal,” Foxx said. He also called on the audience to stay hopeful of a brighter 2018, saying “Together we shall overcome the pain… Together we can unite as a people and as a nation.”

Pink and Kelly Clarkson’s powerful duet

For the first time, everybody witnessed the powerful duet of Pink and Kelly Clarkson who performed an emotional version of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” which earned them a standing ovation from the audience.

Selena Gomez’s performance of “Wolves”

Selena Gomez’s likewise emotional performance of her song “Wolves” with Marshmello ended up becoming a hot topic post-AMAs with haters criticizing her alleged lip-syncing and clothes. Still, no one can deny that her performance was a true showstopper and that her platinum blonde look definitely suits her.

Christina Aguilera’s tribute to Whitney Houston

The show also paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston who had made history as the female singer with the most number of AMAs by inviting Christina Aguilera to sing a medley of Houston’s hits — “I Will Always Love You,” “I Have Nothing” and “I’m Every Woman.” However, not everyone was impressed with Aguilera’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” which had been mixed in with her signature vocal runs. Here’s Aguilera’s longtime rival Pink shooting her a look which summarizes everyone’s feelings about the performance:

Former President Obama and Michelle Obama’s congratulatory video to Diana Ross

Now here’s a face you must have missed. Former President Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama sent a surprise video dedicated to Diana Ross for her Lifetime Achievement Award. It was filled with sweet messages and love towards the singer and her songs which the Obamas mention they still listen to around the house.

Linkin Park’s AMA win

Linkin Park garnered the Favorite Artist award in the Alternative Rock category, a memorable moment for the band after the tragic death of vocalist Chester Bennington early this year. Mike Shinoda, together with bandmates Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson, dedicated their win to Bennington in their acceptance speech: “We dedicate this award to him, to his memory, to his talent, to his sense of humor, his joy… All of you, tonight, whether you’re a fan or an artist, I want you to take a moment to appreciate what you’ve got and make Chester proud.”

Pink’s death-defying performance

There’s no doubt that this year’s most-talked-about artist at the AMAs is Pink not only for her duet with Kelly Clarkson and her meme-worthy reaction to Christina Aguilera, but also for her death-defying performance of “Beautiful Trauma” at the top of the J.W. Marriott hotel in Los Angeles where she is suspended in the air by a cable.

BTS makes history

What could undoubtedly be the most-awaited part of the show is Korean boyband BTS’ performance of their latest hit song “DNA”. They truly made history as the first Korean boy band to ever perform at an American Awards Show, blowing everyone away with an electrifying and jaw-dropping song and dance routine and further booming their already rapid climb to becoming international superstars.

What were your favorite moments from the AMAs 2017? Share your thoughts with us below!