On Nov. 15, the 46th annual People’s Choice Awards aired on the E! Network. The awards ceremony was hosted by Demi Lovato.
“This is the only award show decided entirely by the fans. So, every winner was chosen by you,” said Lovato.
“Demi was a great host for the People’s Choice Awards this year. I think she did a great job and made some great jokes. I was very happy to see Demi back in the media,” said senior Anthony DiGennaro.
Due to COVID-19, there was no live audience. There was, however, an online audience that could be seen on each side of the stage on small video screens.
The presenters of each award were there in person to list nominees and announce the winners. The presenters also allowed people from the VIP virtual audience to announce winners as well.
Some of the presenters were Tyler the Creator, Addison Rae, and Chrishell Stause from “Selling Sunset.”
“Wow. This is crazy. This is absolutely insane,” said Blake Shelton while accepting his award for Country Artist of 2020. “I’m so happy that we’re able to have this award show in spite of everything.”
The show had a new award this year called the People’s Heroes Award, which showcased people that are helping during the pandemic. One example was the Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue in Palm Beach, Florida. The Palm Beach Gardens has created the first all-female fire crew in 57 years.
“It was fascinating to see how the PCA’s were adjusting certain aspects of the show to make it work without a live audience, which can be a big element to an award show,” said senior Kali D’Agostinis.
There were many female winners this year. Jennifer Lopez won the People’s Icon Award, “This is Us” actress, Maggie Moore, won Best Drama TV Star, Tracey Ellis Ross won Fashion Icon, and Ellen Pompeo from “Grey’s Anatomy” won Female TV Star.
Before Lopez’s speech, people such as Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger and even Lopez’s children tuned in virtually to congratulate her.
“Oh, my God, 2020 man, 2020 was no joke, right?” said Lopez while accepting the Icon Award.
Lopez continued her speech and said, “I mean, before 2020, we were obsessing about winning this award, getting nominated for that award. We were caught up on who sold the most records or who had the biggest box office opening or crazy stuff. This year was the great leveler. It showed us what mattered, what didn’t and, for me, reinforced what matters most–people.”
When Ross accepted her award as People’s Choice Fashion Icon 2020, she joked and said, “Tracee, do you take fashion to be your lawfully wedded wife? I do, I do! I cannot thank you enough for validating my shopping habit.”
Justin Bieber kicked off his performance outdoors by singing his latest single, “Lonely,” with collaborator Benny Blanco. Bieber then joined the band inside to perform his other new song, “Holy,” with Chance the Rapper.
“Justin Bieber’s performance by far made the entire show,” said D’Agostinis. “His talent and passion for the music industry is very present when he performs live. I love him.”
Bieber and Lady Gaga were tied as the most nominated artists of the evening, with seven nominations each.
Chloe x Halle, a new group recently cosigned by Beyoncé, also performed their new song “Ungodly Hour.”
“I loved the fact that even in a time of confusion and uncertainty, the pop culture community has the ability to bring us together and enjoy the good things,” said D’Agostinis.