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AMAs 2020: Doja Cat wins Female Artist Soul/R&B award for 'Hot Pink, Internet says 'she doesn't even sing R&B'

The category of Soul/R&B had Jhené Aiko and Summer Walker as other nominees

One of the hottest nights in the music world has arrived with the 2020 American Music Awards airing on November 22. Honoring some of the legendary artists in pop culture along with showcasing some electrifying performances, the awards have become the most-watched in America
 
The fan-voted awards which honor talents in genres like Pop-Rock, Alternative, Country, Hip-Hop, Rap and others had Doja Cat taking home the award for Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B for 'Hot Pink'. Doja Cat who arrived to take the award in an elegant light brown off-shoulder dress had four nominations this year. The category of Soul/R&B had Jhené Aiko and Summer Walker as other nominees with Doja and Walker being newcomers in the category.  Aiko and Walker’s albums did better initially than Doja’s 'Hot Pink'. Even Doja’s single 'Say So' has become more popular than any other song from her rivals this year, but thanks to Doja's ever-increasing fan base the tides have turned.

The AMA for Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B  has been conferred since 1974. The all-time winner in this category had the iconic singer Rihanna with seven wins and another legend Beyoncé as the most nominated artist accruing 11 nominations. 

For the unversed, the American Music Awards are based on fan interactions that include streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, social activity, and touring by the artists in various categories. Produced by Dick Clark productions the AMAs are seen in over 200 countries and territories around the world making it one of the most anticipated shows. 

Now as the 'Hot Pink' star Doja, took the award home calling it “unexpected”, fans took to social media to congratulate her. On the other front, many fans felt Doja should not have got the award in the Soul/ R&B category.
 
A user wrote that Doja does not belong to the category. “Like there is so the reason for Roddy Ricch to be in a pop/rock category, the Weeknd to be in a soul category, or doja cat to be in R&B category. If you're gonna represent us, represent us correctly.” Another concurred, “Summer Walker is underrated. Doja ain’t even r&b OR soul”. A user also agreed that Doja does not fall in Soul/ R& B. “I love Doja Cat but her winning best female soul/r&b over Summer Walker and Jhene Aiko just don’t make sense to me #AMA.” A user asked in astonishment, “how???? she doesn't even sing in R&B’. A user lauded at the win, “CONGRATULATIONS TO MY GIRL Doja Cat ON THE AMA!” Another furious viewer tweeted: "Doja cat wins but not jhene or summer? bullshit."

The awards were held amid Covid-19 induced restrictions due to which there were very few members in the audience and poster cutouts dominated on the front seats of the venue. The crew members for the award show had worn masks and followed the Covid-19 protocol. Coming to the performances the back-up dancers are required to have facial masks on during the acts while the lead artists had PPE on when not on the stage. 

AMAs 2020 aired on Sunday, November 22 at 8 pm EST/PST, on ABC.