Taylor Swift took another political stand at the American Music Awards, urging fans to vote in the upcoming midterm elections during her acceptance speech.

The singer, who picked up four gongs - taking her total tally to 23, breaking Whitney Houston's record for the most won by a woman at the event - raised the issue once again following an Instagram post on Sunday announcing she will be voting Democrat.

The message to her 112 million followers, which has been liked almost two million times, broke a long-standing refusal to discuss her political opinions.

Image: Swift has once again urged fans to vote

Accepting her artist of the year prize at the fan-voted awards, Swift said: "This award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people, and you know what else is voted on by the people? The midterm elections on November 6."

The singer, who opened the ceremony with a performance of I Did Something Bad, beat Drake, Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons and Post Malone to win the top prize.

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Image: Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross wore her views on her T-shirt

She also picked up the awards for favourite pop/rock female artist, favourite pop/rock album for Reputation, and tour of the year.

And Swift was not the only one to get political, with host and Golden Globe-winning Black-ish actress Tracee Ellis Ross wearing a shirt bearing the words: "I am a voter."

Image: Cardi B, named favourite hip-hop/ rap artist, performed at the event

Image: Rapper Post Malone was also among the winners

Comedian-actor Billy Eichner also spoke about the midterms, encouraging the audience to "please grab your friends and tell them to vote".

He continued: "Now is the time. If you believe in equality for women, for people of colour, for the LGBTQ community. If you believe that climate change is real and that we need to do something about it…

"And you can go to Vote.org like Taylor Swift told you to."

In her Instagram post about the midterms, Swift urged fans to vote and explained she felt she had to speak out "due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years" which had made her "feel very differently" about remaining quiet when it comes to politics.

Vote.org said her message sparked an increase in voter registrations, particularly in her home state of Tennessee.

Swift's four prizes have made her the most decorated woman in American Music Awards history.

Despite having the year's top-selling album and three number one hits, Drake missed out on an award.

Image: The ceremony closed with a tribute to Aretha Franklin...

Cardi B won three, including favourite hip-hop/rap artist, which she dedicated to her baby daughter.

"I really want to thank my daughter," said Cardi B, who gave birth to Kulture Kiari Cephus in July. "I gotta prove people wrong. They said I wasn't going to make it after I had a baby."

The ceremony closed with a rousing tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died in August. Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans were among the musicians celebrating her incredible career.

Rapper-singer XXXTentacion, who was shot dead in June, was also honoured with a posthumous award for favourite soul/R&B; album for his 2017 debut, 17.

Other winners included Post Malone, Carrie Underwood, Camila Cabello and Khalid.</s>Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Swift hinted she'd started work on her seventh album

Taylor Swift not only opened the American Music Awards with a fiery performance of I Did Something Bad, but she went on to dominate the show.

The star won four trophies, including artist of the year, making her the ceremony's most-decorated female ever.

She now holds 23 AMAs, beating a record previously held by Whitney Houston.

Swift, who recently broke years of political silence to declare support for two Democrats, again urged fans to take part in the US mid-term elections.

Accepting artist of the year, she said: "This award, and every single award given out tonight, were voted on by the people.

"And you know what else is voted on by the people? The midterm elections on November 6. Get out and vote. I love you guys."

Swift's touring partner Camila Cabello also won four awards at the ceremony; while British singers Ella Mai and Dua Lipa gave show-stopping performances.

Here are some of the best bits.

Cardi B performed I Like It... on a bicycle

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Resembling nothing less than an explosion in a branch of Claire's Accessories; Cardi B's vibrant, multicoloured performance was stunning even before she wheeled Bad Bunny on stage in a shopping trolley.

She went on to flex her leg over her head and ride a bicycle across the stage (sadly not at the same time) - leaving SNL star Taran Killam somewhat lost for words.

Taylor Swift and Camilla Cabello were relationship goals

Image copyright Getty Images

Image copyright Getty Images

Image copyright Getty Images

They multiple award winners, but touring partners and BFFs Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello seemed to be more excited to spend a night in each other's company.

Who says women in music have to be at each other's throats all the time?

Meanwhile, Swift hinted she'd started work on the follow-up to Reputation.

"I always look at albums as chapters in my life," she said on stage.

"To the fans, I'm so happy that you like this one - but I have to be really honest with you about something: I'm even more excited about the next chapter."

Dua Lipa jumped off the stairs

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Setting out her stall for next year's Grammy Awards, Dua Lipa performed two massive house hits - One Kiss and Electricity - while being doused in UV fluorescent paint by a troupe of dancers.

The stage recreated the warehouse setting of her Electricity video - itself a callback to Janet Jackson's Pleasure Principle - while Dua prompted gasps from the audience by falling backwards from a 10-foot-high metal staircase.

Luckily, there were some dancers ready to catch her.

XXXTentacion's mother accepted a posthumous award

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Rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot dead in June, was a pothumous winner in the best soul and R&B album category.

His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, choked back tears as she accepted the award on his behalf.

"I'm so nervous, you guys," she admitted as she reached the stage.

"I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of my son. I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans, and to everyone who made this possible. Thank you guys so much, I appreciate it."

Ciara Levelled Up

The R&B star has scored a viral hit with her new single - and she effortlessly kept up with the song's frenetic pace with a pin-sharp, Rhythm-Nation-style performance.

Backed by an army of dancers, it gave the show's third hour a much-needed injection of energy; ramping up even further when Missy Elliot crashed the stage to deliver her verse from the song's remix.

Ciara then segued into another hit single, Dose, managing to incorporate a segment of BlocBoy JB's "shoot" dance as she was surrounded by a marching band.

"Now that's how you do it," said host Tracee Ellis Ross, as the singer received a standing ovation from Khalid, Camila Cabello, and Cardi B.

Twenty One Pilots got heavy

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With their third album poised to enter the charts at number one this week, Twenty One Pilots didn't pull any punches with their performance of Jumpsuit.

Singer Tyler Joseph remained uncharacteristically still for the song's opening minute before throwing himself around the stage as the crunching bass riff kicked in.

By the climax, the stage was ablaze, with a car behind the band bursting into flames.

In a night crammed full of pop, it provided a rare opportunity for the moshpit to kick into action.

An Aretha Franklin tribute closed the show

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Aretha Franklin was a regular guest at the AMAs, as a host, performer, and winner - so it seemed fitting that the ceremony would close with a tribute to the star.

Eschewing hits like Respect and Dr Feelgood, the performance focused on her gospel roots and her favourite hymns, including several from her best-selling 1972 live album, Amazing Grace.

Gladys Knight opened the segment with a heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace, before being joined by Mary Mary, Ce Ce Winans, Ledisi and Donnie McClurkins for a medley that included How I Got Over, Mary Don't You Weep and Climb Higher Mountains," which was used as the recessional song at Franklin's funeral.

During the performance, the cameras panned around to the audience, where Franklin's granddaughter Victoria was watching in tears.

Full list of winners

ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Taylor Swift

BEST NEW ARTIST - Camila Cabello

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug: Havana

TOUR OF THE YEAR - Taylor Swift: Reputation World Tour

VIDEO OF THE YEAR - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug: Havana

FAVOURITE SOCIAL ARTIST - BTS

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST (POP/ROCK) - Post Malone

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST (POP/ROCK) - Taylor Swift

FAVOURITE DUO OR GROUP (POP/ROCK) - Migos

FAVOURITE ALBUM (POP/ROCK) - Taylor Swift: Reputation

FAVOURITE SONG­ (POP/ROCK) - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug: Havana

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST (COUNTRY) - Kane Brown

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST (COUNTRY) - Carrie Underwood

FAVOURITE DUO or GROUP (COUNTRY) - Florida Georgia Line

FAVOURITE ALBUM (COUNTRY) - Kane Brown: Kane Brown

FAVOURITE SONG (COUNTRY) - Kane Brown: Heaven

FAVOURITE ARTIST (RAP/HIP­HOP) - Cardi B

FAVOURITE ALBUM (RAP/HIP­HOP) - Post Malone: Beerbongs & Bentleys

FAVOURITE SONG (RAP/HIP­HOP) - Cardi B: Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST (SOUL/R&B) - Khalid

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST (SOUL/R&B) - Rihanna

FAVOURITE ALBUM (SOUL/R&B) - XXXTentacion: 17

FAVOURITE SONG (SOUL/R&B) - Bruno Mars & Cardi B: Finesse

FAVOURITE ARTIST (ALTERNATIVE ROCK) - Panic! At The Disco

FAVOURITE ARTIST (ADULT CONTEMPORARY) - Shawn Mendes

FAVOURITE ARTIST (LATIN) - Daddy Yankee

FAVOURITE ARTIST (CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL) - Lauren Daigle

FAVOURITE ARTIST (DANCE) - Marshmello

FAVOURITE SOUNDTRACK - Black Panther: The Album

Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.</s>The popstar broke Whitney Houston's record for the number of wins by a female.

A triumphant Taylor Swift urged people to vote in November’s US midterm elections as she swept the board at the American Music Awards (AMAs).

The popstar – who on Sunday broke her long-held silence over political matters to announce she is voting for the Democrats – scooped tour, album, female and artist of the year.

The gongs brought her to a career total of 23 AMAs, meaning she overtook Whitney Houston for the most wins by a female artist at the fan-voted show.

Accepting the artist of the year prize on stage, Swift said: “I just want to say to the fans, you have been so nice to me and fun and funny and so cool and so loyal, and it’s not lost on me, I understand how lucky I am.”

She added that the awards represented “encouragement and motivation to be better and work harder”.

Referring to the fact the awards were “voted for by the people”, Swift said: “You know what else is voted on by the people?”, before telling fans to “get out and vote” at the midterm elections.

There was a political undercurrent to Tuesday’s show at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre, and before Swift took to the stage, fans were urged to vote during an impassioned plea by American Horror Story star Billy Eichner.

He told the audience they should register to vote if they cared for “equality for women, for people of colour, for the LGBTQ community, if you believe that climate change is real”.

The speech was welcomed by loud applause while host for the evening, American comedian Tracee Ellis Ross, wore a T-shirt bearing the slogan “I am a voter”.

Elsewhere, Swift was not the only major celebrity to perform, with both Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez taking to the stage. They were joined by Post Malone, Camila Cabello and British star Dua Lipa.

Other winners on the night included Migos, Shawn Mendes, Cabello and Carrie Underwood.

Migos were acknowledged as the favourite duo in the pop/rock category, Mendes won the adult contemporary artist, Cabello’s Havana took pop/rock song and Underwood was recognised as the favourite country music female.

Cardi B won the favourite rap artist gong and thanked her three-month-old daughter, Kulture.

Late rapper, XXXTentacion, who was gunned down in June aged 20, won a posthumous award.

His album 17 was recognised in the soul/R&B category, seeing off competition from Khalid and SZA.

Fighting back tears, she said: “I am honoured. On behalf of my son, I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans and everyone who made this possible. Thanks guys, I appreciate it.”

There was also a tribute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who died in August.</s>Taylor Swift has broken an impressive record at the AMAs – she has the most wins for a female artist!

The 28-year-old singer broke the record after winning the award for Artist of the Year at the 2018 American Music Awards on Tuesday (October 9) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Taylor also won Tour of the Year, Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock, and Favorite Album – Pop/Rock for reputation during the evening. She now has 23 wins, breaking the previous record set by the late Whitney Houston with 21 wins.

During the Artist of the Year speech, Taylor concluded by saying, “I just wanted to make a mention of the fact that this award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people, and you know what else is voted on by the people, is the midterm elections on November 6. Get out and vote. I love you guys.”

The award was presented to Taylor by Lenny Kravitz.</s>Taylor Swift kicked off her week with a rare political post on social media, and at the American Music Awards she continued the conversation by encouraging fans to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

Taylor Swift kicked off her week with a rare political post on social media, and at the American Music Awards she continued the conversation by encouraging fans to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

Swift won four honors including artist of the year at the fan-voted show on Tuesday in Los Angeles, beating out Drake, Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons and Post Malone for the top prize.

“This award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people, and you know what else is voted on by the people,” she said, “the midterm elections on November 6.”

Swift announced on Sunday that she was voting for Tennessee’s Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen, breaking her long-standing refusal to discuss anything politics.

Voting was a hot topic at the AMAs. Host and Golden Globe-winning “black-ish” actress Tracee Ellis Ross wore a shirt that said, “I am a voter,” and comedian-actor Billy Eichner told the audience, “The biggest election of our lifetime is happening.”

“Please grab your friends and tell them to vote. Now is the time. If you believe in equality for women, for people of color, for the LGBTQ community. If you believe that climate change is real and that we need to do something about it,” he said onstage before presenting an award.

“And you can go to Vote.org like Taylor Swift told you to,” he added.

Swift made history by becoming the most decorated woman in the show’s history with a total of 23 AMAs. Despite having the year’s top-selling album and three No. 1 hits, Drake didn’t win a single award. He did not attend the show but tied Cardi B with most nominations walking into the AMAs.

Swift kicked off the show with a performance of “I Did Something Bad,” while Cardi B — who won three honors — picked up the night’s first award, favorite hip-hop/rap artist, which she dedicated to her daughter.

“I really want to thank my daughter,” said Cardi B, who gave birth to Kulture Kiari Cephus in July. “I gotta prove people wrong. They said I wasn’t going to make it after I had a baby.”

The rapper hit the stage to give a festive and colorful performance of her No. 1 hit, “I Like It,” where she was joined by J Balvin and Bad Bunny, who was wheeled onstage inside a shopping cart. Cardi B’s husband, Offset of the rap trio Migos, danced along in the audience with group member Quavo as Cardi B worked the stage with vibrant dance moves, including the salsa.

Cardi B returned the favor, screaming happily when Migos was named favorite pop/rock duo or group, beating out Maroon 5 and Imagine Dragons, later in the show.

“We did not know we was winning this at all,” said Quavo, also giving a shout-out to group member Takeoff, who didn’t attend the AMAs.

“I want to thank you sexy lady,” Offset said, pointing to Cardi B.

Like Cardi B’s performance, rising newcomer Ella Mai also won over the crowd when she sang the year’s biggest R&B hit, “Boo’d Up,” starting the performance as she walked down the aisle of the Microsoft Theater. Khalid, Quavo and Offset were some of the audience members dancing along, while others sang and some even filmed her with their phones.

Others who shined onstage included R&B singer Ciara, who showed off her skilled dance moves and was joined by a fierce Missy Elliott. Carrie Underwood was in perfect form vocally, and Camila Cabello — who tied Swift with four wins — gave a heartful, touching and vocally impressive performance of the ballad “Consequences,” earning her a standing ovation.

The three-hour show closed with a rousing tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died in August. Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans were among the musicians who paid tribute to the Queen of Soul’s gospel roots and her iconic album, “Amazing Grace.”

Rapper-singer XXXTentacion, who was fatally shot in June, was also honored: He won favorite soul/R&B album for his 2017 debut, “17.” It was days after he was named best new artist at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.

His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, said she was honored to accept the award on behalf of her son. “I’m so nervous,” Bernard said as the audience cheered her on.

Kane Brown swept the country categories with three wins, including male artist, album and song.

Post Malone, who wore a baby blue suit and performed, won favorite pop/rock male artist, Underwood was named favorite country female artist and Khalid picked up favorite soul/R&B male artist.

Other performers included Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Shawn Mendes and twenty one pilots.</s>Taylor Swift was smoking hot at the 2018 American Music Awards on Monday!

The "reputation" singer, who is set to kick off the AMAs with the opening performance, strutted her stuff on the red carpet in a set of metallic thigh-high boots and a dangerously short long-sleeve minidress. The sexy ensemble gave off serious futurist vibes and is definitely one of the most edgy looks Taylor has ever worn to the award show.

She polished off the look with her hair worn back in an updo, a set of metal square earrings, smokey eye makeup and black nail polish.

Taylor has a big night ahead too. SHe's nominated for four awards including, Artist of the Year, Tour of the Year, Pop/Rock Album of the Year and Pop/Rock Female Artist Of The Year.</s>Taylor Swift is having a big week: She first broke her long-standing refusal to discuss politics Sunday and now she's going to give her first awards show performance in three years at the American Music Awards.</s>After last night’s AMAs, Taylor Swift has now broken the all-time record for most awards. She won four yesterday, which brings her total up to 23 – this beats the total number held by previous record holder, Whitney Houston.

Swift opened the AMAs with her powerful song, ‘I Did Something Bad’. Her awards included Artist of the Year, as well as Pop/Rock Female Artist, Tour, and Pop/Rock Album. However, her acceptance speech was not just focused on her music, she used the platform to discuss political issues as well: “This award, and every single award given out tonight, were voted on by the people. And you know what else is voted on by the people? The midterm elections on November 6. Get out and vote. I love you guys.” She also seemed to hint about her follow up to Reputation, saying: “I’m even more excited about the next chapter.”

Other highlights from the night included XXXTentacion’s mother accepting a posthumous award for the rapper who was shot dead in June. The ceremony also closed with a tribute to Aretha Franklin, with a performance from Gladys Knight.

Watch Swift’s performance from last night by clicking on the link below:</s>(CNN) — Taylor Swift did something bad for the opening of the 2018 American Music Awards Tuesday night.

The singer, who just wrapped the North American leg of her “Reputation” tour, kicked off the show with her single, “I Did Something Bad.”

Dressed in a sequined one-piece, Swift strutted the stage with her dancers to the delight of the audience.

And, of course, there was a giant snake — an emblem Swift has made her own after #TaylorSwiftIsASnake became a thing a few years ago as a diss against the singer.

Tuesday marked Swift’s first live awards show performance in three years.

The superstar made headlines in recent days after she endorsed Tennessee Democrats Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper and encouraged her followers to register to vote.

Swift said that while she had been “reluctant” to voice her political opinions in the past, “due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now.”

“I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country,” Swift said. “I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. ”</s>Taylor Swift has arrived to the 2018 American Music Awards!

The 28-year-old superstar singer struck a pose on the red carpet at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles wearing a stunning silver Balmain dress and matching boots. She paired the look with Ofira Jewels earrings and rings by Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Jewels.

This is Swift's first appearance at the award show since 2014, where she took the stage to perform her hit song "Blank Space." On Tuesday, Swift will return to the AMAs stage to perform her song "I Did Something Bad" off of her Reputation album. So, in celebration of Swift's performance, we're looking back at all of her AMAs wardrobe over the years!
American singer Taylor Swift wins four trophies, including Artist of the Year, and holds 23 American Music Awards, beating Whitney Houston.