LOS ANGELES — It's the American Music Awards, but guests had Paris on their minds.
Celine Dion performed the French classic made famous by Edith Piaf, "L'Hymne a L'Amour," in front of a string section and a montage of images of famous Paris sites. She raised her hand triumphantly in the air at the song's conclusion, a photo of the Eiffel Tower behind her.
In introducing the songstress, Jared Leto said the terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali this month have "changed the world forever" and scarred its population.
"Tonight we honor the victims of the unimaginable violence that has taken place in Paris and around the world," Leto said. "The entire world matters, and peace is possible."
Charlie Puth, who locked lips with Meghan Trainor for an extended kiss onstage, said he happened to be near the site of the Paris attacks a few weeks before they happened and felt his heart break at the news.
"I want to write a song for Paris," said the 23-year-old entertainer, whose song "See You Again" was nominated twice at the AMAs. "I don't want to write another 'See You Again' for Paris, but I want to write a song specifically for Paris."
Meanwhile, while One Direction One Direction might have debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts behind Justin Bieber, but they won the artist of the year award on Sunday.
"This is a testament to how incredible our fans are," Louis Tomlinson said onstage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
One Direction also on favorite duo or group — pop/rock.
Bieber, who won best collaboration with Diplo and Skrillex, closed the night with a medley of his hits, including "Sorry," "Where Are U Now" and "What Do You Mean." Purple laser lights beamed from the stage as the singer danced and sang for the loud audience. He ended it drenched after standing under a waterfall.
Billboard announced Sunday his new album, "Purpose," will debut at No. 1 on its charts Monday after selling 649,000 equivalent albums. It beat out One Direction's "Made In the A.M.," which sold 459,000 equivalent albums.
The Weeknd's performance was also a favorite, and he walked away with two awards, and presented the first one from Prince.
"Make some noise for Prince, ladies and gentlemen," the singer said after picking up favorite album — soul/R&B for "Beauty Behind the Madness."
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Nicki Minaj was also a double winner, taking home favorite artist and album — rap/hip-hop. She encouraged her feverish fans to "find their voice."
Taylor Swift, who is out of the country shooting a music video, was the top nominee with six. She won song of the year for "Blank Space," favorite album — pop/rock for "1989" and favorite artist — adult contemporary
Swift lost favorite female artist — pop/rock to Ariana Grande, who was shocked when accepting the honor.