all dale here in los angeles, to the red carpet has been tented for the fans, the photographers and the world's media. they are all here to watch stars from music, movies and television arrive for the biggest music awards show voted on by you, the fans. in less than an hour, we will honor your favorite music stars of 2011, as we begin the countdown to the american music awards. maroon 5. jennifer. lmfao. and christina are just a few of tonight's performers. >> very exciting night.

>> from pop -- ♪ >> to hip hop. ♪ >> to country. ♪ get ready for the biggest stars of the 2011 american music awards. >> this is crazy. >> but before taking their seats inside, the stars will stop to talk about tonight. >> already giggling. >> yeah. >> that kind of night. >> countdown to the american music awards starts right now. hello, everyone, i'm chris harrison. welcome to the "countdown to the amas." you know how they say it never rains in los angeles -- >> not true. >> they're wrong. here with me is the lovely and talented new co-host of the great show "wipeout," a woman with a brand new last name. it is official, folks. vanessa lachey. >> thank you. i like the sound of that. congratulations to your new show, "you deserve it."

>> very excited. premieres tomorrow night, monday on abc. please tell me you and nick will be watching. >> of course, of course. but tonight, we have a fun job. we're going to be talking to all the stars as take may their way down the red carpet. a little bit wet, but before they head inside to the nokia theater for the 2011 american music awards. we're going to talk to them, see their fashion. everybody knows fashion is a big part of the amas. and you look handsome. >> thank you very much. >> this is beautiful. this is velvet? >> very petable tonight. >> and you -- mr. lachey, you are a lucky man. and we will have music tonight, hot chelle rae. but first, let's welcome ryan devlin. >> it's beautiful under the lights here on the red carpet, chris. now, the american music awards winners are chosen by you guys, the fans. so, we want to give you all a chance to ask the stars some questions yourselves. you've been sending them all week long, but it's not too

late. go to the american music awards facebook page. chris, back to you. >> all right, thank, buddy. vanessa has moved down to her position on the other side of the red carpet. i am here with the beautiful jenny mccarthy, who put pockets in her dress. >> it's keeping me very warm right now. it's a little chilly. >> this should be a warmup for you for "rockin' new year's eve." >> i have four hours freezing. you have 20 -- >> i was complaining about an hour. you are getting groped by strangers for five hours. >> so worth it. we have such a good time. tune in this year. and right now, i have to tell you, tonight is looking awesome, the chicks are dressed hot. even though we're freezing our butts off. >> sometimes fashion hurts. >> they do, i'll tell you that. >> the platform boots. you are preventing a performance tonight. who? >> i am.

j.lo and will.i.am. >> are you mocking them? >> i always do. oh, it's so fancy. it's fun. i'm a friend of j. lo. is it -- >> if she's a friend, you should call her her name. >> i call her jennifer. >> we love you. >> thank you. have fun tonight. >> we'll see you on new year's eve. >> all right. >> let's go to vanessa. >> thanks, chris. i'm here right now with the band perry. and you guys have had a stellar, stellar time as of late. three cma awards, nominated for three tonight. you guys are just on top of the world. and you are performing tonight. what is the grounding force in this band? >> thank you so much. we're so excited to be here. we actually have a secret weapon in the form of our mother, marie. and she travels with us. she's our band's stylist and she definitely is good at keeping us humble. she's our biggest critic. >> need a mom to keep you in gear. >> she does a really good job with that. >> now, i heard that you guys

used to be kimberly's roadies. >> yeah, but we actually quit and formed a band of our own. it was interesting. >> you agree with them? >> you know what? it was a good experience. now i respect our crew a lot more now that i've been apart of that, that whole thing. but yeah, it was a good time. but i'm glad i am where i am now. >> now you're nominated for american music awards. this is kind of -- this is -- you went from zero to 60. >> it really is a dream come true. we just celebrated 13 years traveling on the road as a family. so, we put in a decade of blood, sweat and tears. we're so grateful to be here. >> congratulations. i can't wait to see the performance. thank you for chafting wi incha. oh, look at the beautiful alanis morissette. you look stellar tonight. >> thank you. >> i like the braid. i want to talk to you about

music because you -- it's a good ideas right? >> yeah, we're here. >> it is the american music awards. but you have always been known to put out albums that kind of deal with the times in your life and right now, you're a mother. how is that affecting your music? i'm dying for the new album. >> just finished 31 songs and it will likely be out next year, probably spring, summer. >> 31 songs? >> yeah, i'll have to pick the final 12, letting go of the ones that don't make it. >> do you find that because you are a mother your tone is a little different now? >> it's not one of those records that is a lullaby record of any kind but there is some touching on that innocence, you know, it's hard not to be profoundly affected bid mother hood, as i'm sure you'll know soon. no pressure. >> yeah, right? i think she just put me on the spot. not yet. not yet. um, so, you talk chully have already gotten two amas back home on the mantle.

do you have a seat saved for you inside? >> i'm just excited to see everybody here. this is my coming out from under the rock moment where i see everybody. >> i know. that was '97 and now 2011, looking more beautiful and more glowing than ever. have a great time tonight. i can't wait to see you in there. right now, let's see who's with chris. thank you so much. >> thanks, vanessa. much better looking down there than us. >> absolutely. >> music legend smokey robinson. >> i'm here to enjoy myself. i'm here to support lmfao, my nephews. we're looking forward to the show. >> i love the mix of music you must love. i don't think a lot of people think of smokey listening to lmfao. >> i listen to all kinds of music. i might listen to bach or lmfao.

i love music. >> is it a good year in music? >> you know what man? i think that every era has its own people. so, people ask me that all the time, do you think that the young talent is -- you know, they got some great young talent out there. talent is according to if you have talent. it has nothing to do with the era or the kind of music you sing or make. it's just, do you have talent? they have great talent out there. >> speaking of talent, you have bucket loads, sir. enjoy the show tonight. >> thank you. >> smokey robinson, everybody. musical talent and a good golfer, as well. let's go to ryan. >> all right, i'm standing here with what is probably the source of all the girly screams that you're hearing in the background. joe jonas. does that ever get old? >> i don't know if it's for me. must be somebody else. >> i don't think so. look, you're back at the amas,

presenting the sprint new artist award tonight, an award you won a few years ago. >> it's exciting to be back. i'm -- last -- long time ago, first time i was here, i fell on stage. i hope that doesn't happen tonight. >> i was going to ask you if you had advice for the performers. don't fall is -- >> the whole stage thing -- we had a great entrance where this glass would break, i would start performing and i slipped, so, hopefully though one has glass in their performances. >> a little bit of a -- >> i'm going to be biting my teeth. >> you have a solo album, right? kind of branched out. why now and what's going on with the jonas brothers? >> the solo album came out a month ago and it's going really well. really happy to be making music. the jonas brothers, we're going to make more music. right now, we're just focusing on the solo stuff. probably this coming year we'll make more music together. >> looking forward to it. thank you. have a great night. >> thank you, man.

>> thanks, ryan and joe. we are just getting started here on the red carpet. when we come back, more stars and a performance from new artist of the year nominee hot chelle rae. all that and more when "countdown to the american music awards" continues. vo: get ready for old navy gobblepalooza 3 in 3d. the entire store is on sale. graphic tees for the whole family just 5 dollars. sweaters and jeans are fifteen dollars! kids jeans 10! more! zap! pea coats for just twenty-five bucks! and come early for a free kodak digital camera! free! gobblepalooza 3d starts black friday at midnight. old navy. come fun. come all. ♪ [ male announcer ] there are over half a million apps and counting on the iphone. apps that can take you anywhere and do anything.

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nice and -- well, chilly but keeping it hot on the red carpet. i'll standing here with john legend. how are you doing, man? >> how are you? >> been a minute since i saw you. >> been awhile. >> you've been a busy guy. you just toured with sade. i saw you perform and the whole feel was very sultry, very loving. how is she in real life? i just imagine her being on this -- just floating through life. >> she's beautiful. she was really gracious, you know. sometimes when you tour with people they're like, standoffish and do they thing and you do yours, but she was awesome. she put on an amazing show. we were proud to be part of it. >> now, i heard you're kind of really, really tight with the obamas. got to be cool to have direct access to the white house. not too many people can say that. >> two phone calls away from, you know, the white house, like, i can't call him directly. but i can have my people call their people and we can, you know, we need to speak with them, we can make it happen. >> in a matter of 30 minutes or

less. it can happen. the hold days are coming up and you just collaborated with mariah carey on a christmas album. how was that? >> oh, it was so great. she's been selling christmas albums since the '90s. she asked me to duet with her. we shot the video at her house with nick and all the kids. it was fun. >> sounds a perfe s perfect. congratulations on everything, have fun tonight. and we're going to go with chris and sean kingston. >> that's right. sean is presenting a special performance. who is it? >> my little bro justin bieber. i'm excited to be here. he's performing a christmas song. i'm excited for him. >> we won't be able to hear you because the screams from the girls will just drown you right out. a 17-year-old kid that we saw grow up, it is amazing how much respect he gets in the industry. is he that good? >> the kid is amazing, man.

17 years old, he writes most of his stuff. he's just -- he's a humble kid. charming. he's talented, man. he backs it up. >> and i know you guys have worked together and you are a busy man yourself. new album coming up and a tv show. tell us about that. >> i just filmed a tv show, it's called "botd dy of proof." did two episodes for that. look out for a brand new album called "back to life" featuring a lot of people, t.i., rihanna. going to be my best work ever. that's coming soon. >> that drops in january, right? >> first quarter next year. >> sean,joy the show. look at that bling. ryan, i can't get away with that. >> chris, you can get away with it, my man. i'm standing here with david guetta, who is opening the show with nicki minaj? >> yes. and we're going to perform a record for the first time so i'm very excited. called "turn me on." people are going to be shocked because it is different from

anything she's done before. so, it's a very exciting day. >> any hints? do we have to stay tuned? >> just a proper song. almost no rapping in it. like she's doing an amazing vocal performance and i really think it's going to be very surprising. i'm excited. it's also a good day for me because i heard that my record is -- my current single "without you" is number one, so, going to be number one tomorrow. >> number one tomorrow. good luck opening the show. vanessa, over to you. >> all right. thanks, ryan. i'm here with lil' jon. >> hey. >> what, hey? >> how are you, old friend? >> i know. it's been a minute. >> i haven't seen you in years. >> i went off and got marry and became an old bag. >> we hang out, me, you and your husband in vegas somewhere. >> i don't believe that. >> it was his birthday. >> that was also my birthday, too. >> right. >> well, tonight, we are at the american music awards and you are performing.

tell me about it. >> i'm just hanging out with pitbull, marc anthony. i'm bringing the energy up and letting them come out and just destroy the rest of the show. >> you got to, like, you really have to come correct. you have to really bring it. you can't mess this up because you are setting the pace for them. >> why you got to put pressure on me, woman? >> igood luck. >> i'm going to be great. i'm going to be great. i'm going to rock it for mom. >> you look handsome. you're going to have fun. i like the rain boots. lil' jon dressing for the weather, performer tonight. let's go to chris. what's going on? >> i'm very much looking forward to that performance. and speaking of, we have a great new talent performing for you right here on the red carpet. they're upcoming album is titled "whatever." and they are nominated tonight for new artist of the year. here with "i like it like that," hot chelle rae. ♪ let's get it on, yeah, y'all

can come along everybody drinks on me, buy out the bar ♪ ♪ just to feel like i'm a star, now i'm thanking the academy missed my ride home, lost my iphone ♪ ♪ i wouldn't have it any other way if you're with me let me hear you say ♪ ♪ i like it like that hey windows down, chillin' with the radio on ♪ ♪ i like it like that damn, the sun's so hot, make the girls take it all off ♪ ♪ i like it like that yeah, one more time, i can never get enough of everybody ♪ ♪ sing it right back, i like it like that ♪ ♪ ♪ till the break of the dawn, yeah, party on my lawn whistle as the girls walk by if the cops roll up ♪ ♪ pour the cops a cup cause everybody's here tonight call a taxi, pack the back seat ♪ ♪ i wouldn't have it any other way if you're with me let me hear you say ♪ ♪ i like it like that hey windows down, chillin' with

the radio on ♪ ♪ i like it like that damn, the sun's so hot, make the girls take it all off ♪ ♪ i like it like that yeah, one more time, i can never get enough of everybody ♪ ♪ sing it right back, i like it like that ♪ ♪ oh oh oh oh like that oh oh oh oh, like that ♪ ♪ oh oh oh oh, sing it right back, i like it like that ♪ ♪ oh oh oh oh, like that oh oh oh oh, like that ♪ ♪ oh oh oh oh, sing it right back, i like it like that ♪ ♪ i like it like that hey windows down, chillin' with the radio on ♪ ♪ic i like it like that damn, the sun's so hot, make the girls take it all off ♪ ♪ i like it like that yeah, one more time, i can never get enough of everybody ♪

♪ sing it right back, i like it like that ♪ ♪ hey windows down ♪ chilling with the radio on ♪ i like it like that ♪ damn, sun so hot ♪ make the girls take it off off ♪ ♪ i like it like that ♪ yeah one more time ♪ i can never get enough ♪ oh everybody say it like that ♪ ♪ i like it like that ♪ oh oh oh, like that oh oh oh oh, like that ♪ ♪ oh oh oh, like that ♪ oh oh oh oh, like that ♪ oh everybody sing it right back ♪ ♪ i like it like that well done, boys. that's how you eat up the cold red carpet. we'll have more from them later. and coming up, a very special visit from first time nominees and performers lmfao. and the stars continue to answer your questions, when the

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welcome back to the 2011 american music awards. i am here with chris, with brian of daughtry. how are you doing? performing tonight, third time you have performed at the amas. >> yeah, we're super excited about it. >> amas bring something crazy. what are you guys bringing to the table tonight? >> dirt, rocks and fire. >> it will be a hot performance. >> all right. i see by the cryptic laugh, that will make sense here in an hour.

>> it will all make sense. just go with it. >> or you just like to evil laugh. >> i personally prefer the evil laugh. >> brian, i want to ask you about chris, he has twins now, four kids what is it like now with this guy with four kids? >> i think we're sighing a little different side of this guy, man. much more caring, loving. >> before i was a complete tool. >> he's awesome. he's awesome. >> he's not that awesome. and i have a bone to pick with you. okay, i want to get to the point. you sang the national anthem at game seven of the world series. i'm a texas fan. i blame you, sir. >> well -- i blame myself for them winning, as well. i feel like i brought some good vibes to that game. we got there the night before at game six and it was incredible. >> game six was a disaster. >> it was incredible! unless you're a texas fan. >> i know, thank you. >> sorry. you're welcome. >> seriously, congrats on the

twins. i don't know how you're standing with four kids. >> they're amazing. our home is so alive at all times. it's -- i love it. >> sounds like the cryptic lachter that your performance will be alive tonight. chris, brian, good man. >> always. >> enjoy it tonight. >> ryan? >> thank you, chris. throwing chris under the bus for the world series there. you guys, i'm here with the men of nickelback. little intimidated, actually. you guys are kind of an intimidating force here. but you seem like nice guys. >> we are a nad yancanadians. >> you're presenting tonight? >> we're giving away best country act/duo/band, artist, all into one. >> that's a big award. a lot of words there. and what is this i hear, you have new album dropping tomorrow and am i hearing this right,

you're giving it away, streaming it free or something like that? >> getting, yeah, streaming it on itunes right now for a week. let everybody check it out, you know, and hopefully, you know, buy it in a week. >> a week later after you heard it for free. >> maybe buy it. >> cut it up into pieces -- >> sounds like a try it before you buy it. get the fans pumped up. >> the only torture part about it is there's no fast forward button. >> you have to listen to all the nickelback. >> check it up. >> all right, you guys, have fun tonight. good luck with presenting. album drops vanessa, to you. >> i'm standing here right now with the beautiful cheryl hines from "suburgatory." what researched do you do to be the ultimate housewife in your role? >> i talk to a lot of housewives. i don't want to do any house work but i'll talk to people about it.

>> i don't think real housewives do housework. they just have to be fabulous, right? >> i'm really gooded a that. >> tonight, you are presenting and introducing an act. >> i'm introducing kelly clarkson. >> oh, that's going to be fun. and you're a fan of hers? >> i am. it will be fun to watch her sing live. it will be great. >> absolutely. we can dance along. >> absolutely. >> especially in that fun dress. and you are not even shivering. not one goose bump on your body. >> oh, i'm -- absorbing the warmth of this crowd. >> freezing right now. a little cold. >> you should get down in there with all the shoulder to shoulder, it's worse. >> you look beautiful tonight. i hope you have fun. >> thank you. >> and back to you guys. >> all right, well, instead we're going to take a short break, but be sure to stay with us for more of your favorite stars right here on the red carpet and another performance from hot chelle rae.

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all right, you guys, welcome back to the 2011 american music awards. i don't know if you can hear on your tvs at home, but everybody is screaming because we have justin bieber and selena gomez, the cutest couple, walking the red carpet right now. but i see chris talking to miss jennifer husbandsodson. what's going on? >> i feel like a jockey riding in the derby. you look fantastic. and very tall tonight. >> thank you. i'm a tall girl. >> now, just to be fair, you are, like, platforms like this. >> yeah, but i hold my own tight without the heels, as well. i love a good shoe. >> you look fantastic. much has been made about how much you've lost and how you've done it but just tell me this. how much fun is getting ready for a red carpet with the new bod? >> it's a lot of fun. i'm a little barbie doll and i get to dress myself. i'm getting used to the new

body. and it's like you have to figure out, how do i want to be perceived as this new -- >> how do you want to be perceived? >> i'm still figuring that out. >> okay. you're presenting tonight. do you know what? >> best rap artist. yeah. >> and are you a hip hop fan? >> we all are. you are, too? >> absolutely. who are you a fan of, music wise? i just saw smokey show up, lmfao, everybody is here tonight. >> i'm just an overall music lover. i love who the artist is, who -- i love when people love what they do and they are creative in what they do and so i just love music. >> we love what you do, we love your music. jennifer hudson, enjoy the amas tonight. >> as you can see, pandemonium on the red carpet. this is why i love live. we are here on the red the countdown to the american music awards. this is about the time when all the big names start pulling in. the cars start backing up.

everybody's freaking out. but we're having so much fun and, in fact, chris right now just pulled over maroon 5. what do you guys got going on over there? >> vanessa, i almost lost them because they have the fever. they almost ran off bieber. but i corralled them. calm down. nominated and presenting tonight. performing tonight. you guys working it out with, first of all, christina. i love this contentious relationship you have with her now. but on stage, how is it? >> it's always fine. it's a wonderful thing. everybody wants to make that into something. it's nothing. >> it makes out for good ratings. >> yes, sir, yes, sir. >> also, gym class heroes. how did you collaborate with them? >> ah, yeah, it was great. i loved the song. i love those guys, super cool. it was awesome. >> i think a couple months ago, i caught you guys at the hollywood bowl. you couldn't say enough about

what that meant to you guys. what is it about the bowl when you play the historic venues? >> it's as historic as it gets, being a band from los angeles. that's the venue, other than the greek venue. we just -- amazing life and we're very lucky to live it. it was a blast playing the bowl. >> amas always bring the spectacular performances. you guys going to be there tonight with christina aguilera, gym class heroes. looking forward to it. >> yes, sir. >> go, go get biber, man, just go! all right, justin bieber on the red carpet, so is maroon 5. vanessa, lighting up around here. >> did you just send off maroon 5 to go stalk justin bieber? i love that. speaking of bieber, bieber fever, he has the cutest little side part. i'm seeing blue dresses, red capes, mr. lionel richie is working his way down the red carpet. he is an ama veteran. 17 american music awards.

and right now, chris, man, he's keeping busy. he's got lmfao. what's going on? >> i'm here with first time nominees and performers tonight, lmf lmfao. and this may not be the last time i say this tonight, but nice license plate. >> yeah, baby. >> i saw you guys behind me handing out 3d glasses. what's that about? >> it's on old navy, the entire store is on sale, black friday. >> what's the 3d about? what's that about? >> a special thing they have going on, popping at at you when you go in the store. but also, it's three days of sales. so, you got three days to go to old navy and get anything you want in that store but a little cheaper than it usually be. >> is this old navy right here? hey, you guys are performing the finale tonight. i hear it is spectacular. any hints? >> oh, man, it's going to be magical.

we're going to have some special guests and stuff and, you know, you're going to see two dudes just excited, celebrating life. bringing the party with everybody, baby. >> lmfao, a walking party. guys, thank you very much. enjoy the amas. we have lots more stars here on the red carpet. another great song from new artist of the year nominee hot chelle rae. stay tuned to the "countdown to the american music awards." vo: get ready for old navy gobblepalooza 3 in 3d.

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welcome back to the "countdown to the american music awards." i'm here with matthew morrison. what's going, bud? >> not much. just hanging out at the american music awards. it's awesome. >> who did you give the nod to? >> don't worry about that. >> so hollywood. >> what's up, man? >> all for show, actually. no one there. hi, mom. >> i ran into you at the emmys, obviously, golden globes. but miusic. obviously, musical guy. what is about these shows you love so much? >> i think it's just the performance aspect of it. really -- you know, instead of paying a lot of money to go to a concert, you get to see a lot of concerts for free. >> and you see those performances, you don't see them anywhere else. people collaborating together. great, just once in a lifetime moments.

>> very special. at this point, eminem and elton john is, like, the classic one, but -- you know, yeah, and the thing is, you never know what to expect. >> and we're expecting you to present tonight. matthew morrison with jennifer morrison. whose bright idea was that? >> someone's. i don't know if people are going to think we're married or brother and sister, but yeah. she is a good friend. >> beautiful woman. >> beautiful woman. >> what else is coming up for you? >> right now, i'm directing "glee." directing the big christmas episode we have. >> no pressure with that one. >> no, no. it's easier with the fact that we already did a lot of the songs beforehand, so -- but yeah, it's interesting wearing a different hat and it's a lot of pressure. and good to see it through a different eye. yeah. >> always good seeing you, my friend. enjoy the amas. matthew morrison presenting tonight. i don't know what vanessa did to get this interview, but here she goes.

>> all right, i'm standing here right now with the situation. need i say more? how are you doing? >> i'm fantastic. how are you? >> i'm good. what are you up to? >> i've been extreme little busy. obvious obviously the show airs in january, but we just -- this week, actually, did the, a little cameo on abc "suburgatory" and a little talk show this week, as well, with kyle and jackie, yes. >> well, if anybody knows where the best afterparties after the amas are, probably you guys. so, where should all the party people head? >> you know what? tons of parties tonight and i'm definitely going to be there, you know that, so -- but i don't know. i think you're the one that knows where the -- >> i'm an old married woman now, trust me. stay out of trouble. be safe tonight and good luck with the next season. all right. >> all right, vanessa. i'm here with gym class heroes.

you guys are performing tonight, right? big performance? tell me about it. >> going to be huge, man. we're performing our song "stereo hearts" and a huge surprise on stage for the people. >> oh, a big surprise. can you tease the surprise? >> um -- >> you don't want to reveal anything? >> if i give anything away, it will just -- if i say anything it will give it away. >> at least we know something big is happening. stay tuned for that. now, you guys -- we have a lot of people tweeting in questions. you guys are one of the trending topics right now. we got a tweet in, she wants to know where does the name gym class heroes come from? were you actually gym class heroes or is there another genesis to it? >> it's an iconic name for the band because we tend to sort of sit out and talk about music. >> kind of like gym class ant anti-heroes. >> the name actually came from us sitting on the beachers watching kids go all-out during

gym class for no reason. we kind of poked fun of them and that became the name of our band. >> let's talk about tonight. you're rocking it with adam levine. what else are you looking forward to seeing tonight? >> i would love to see ryan petter. he's just amazing. i would love to see what they're going to do. >> huge night. good luck. have fun out there. chris, kicking it back to you, man. >> thanks, ryan. looking forward to that performance. the show, starting in 15 minutes. well, in about 90 minutes, joe jonas will have veal the winner of the sprint new artist of the year award. and these four guys will be hoping the words he says are hot chelle rae. ♪ it's been a really really messed up week seven days of torture, seven days of bitter ♪ ♪ and my girlfriend went cheated on me she's a california dime but it's time for me to quit her ♪ ♪ la la la, whatever la la la, it doesn't matter

la la la, oh well, la la la ♪ ♪ we're going at it tonight tonight there's a party on the rooftop top of the world ♪ ♪ tonight tonight and were dancing on the edge of the hollywood sign i don't know if i'll make it but watch how good i'll fake it it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight ♪ ♪ i woke up with a strange tattoo not sure how i got it, not a dollar in my pocket ♪ ♪ and it kinda looks just like you mixed with zach galifianakis ♪ ♪ la la la, whatever la la la, it doesn't matter la la la, oh well, la la la ♪ ♪ we're going at it tonight tonight there's a party on the rooftop top of the world ♪ ♪ tonight tonight and were dancing on the edge of the hollywood sign i don't know if i'll make it but watch how good i'll fake it it's all right, all right,

tonight, tonight ♪ ♪ you got me singing like woah, come on ♪ ♪ oh oh ♪ it doesn't matter ♪ woah oh oh ♪ ♪ just tonight stop ♪ keep the beat pumpin' keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down ♪ ♪ it's my party dance if i want to we can get crazy let it all out ♪ ♪ just don't stop ♪ keep the beat pumpin keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down ♪ ♪ it's my party dance if i want to we can get crazy let it all out ♪ ♪ it's you and me and were runnin this town and it's me and you and were shakin the ground ♪ ♪ and ain't nobody gonna tell us to go cause this is our show ♪ ♪ everybody woah oh ♪ ♪ woah oh ♪ tonight tonight there's a party on the rooftop top of the world tonight tonight and were dancing on the edge of the hollywood sign ♪ ♪ i don't know if i'll make it

but watch how good i'll fake it it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight ♪ ♪ it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight yeah it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight ♪ ♪ just singing like woah, come on, ohh, all you party people ♪ ♪ woah, all you singletons, ohh just don't stop let's keep the beat pumpin' ♪ ♪ keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down it's my party dance if i want to we can get crazy let it all out ♪ ♪ just don't stop let's keep the beat pumpin' keep the beat up, and shut the beat down ♪ ♪ it's my party dance if i want to we can get crazy let it all out ♪ >> hot chelle rae, absolutely nailing it for us tonight on the red carpet. our thanks to them.

keeping us hot on a very cold los angeles night. the stars are showing up. the amas, less than 15 minutes away. the belle of the ball, no doubt, tonight, going to be miss taylor swift, as she just arrived. the photographers going crazy. if i'm not mistaken, she looks stunni stunning tonight, just a phenomenal look and she's going to join us live in just a minute. looking bard to talking to her and justin bieber? look at that little do he's got going there with selena gomez. they were stepping out together tonight. you never know what you're going to see here at the amas. we are just minutes away from the big show. when we come back, we'll go backstage where vanessa will be with a very special guest, when the "countdown to the american music awards" continues. ♪ [ male announcer ] there are over half a million apps

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and i woke up in the van in omaha. that's life in a band. got online and got us to the next gig. sound check, equipment check, tweaked the t-shirt designs. nice. showtime. small place, massive crowd. they seemed into it except for the guy throwing stuff. moron. laptop fell but didn't crash. good thing. we killed it. picked up a few new fans. show ended but the night didn't. we drove a few hours before camping out then watched the first cut of our first video. not a bad day. lenovo. for those who do.

how about five minutes to the american music awards? outside the nokia theater, you see the red carpet is still alive. and there is miss katy perry rocking a pink do tonight, looking fantastic. artist of the year nominee, another nominee standing right next to me and another beautiful woman, miss taylor swift.

how are you tonight? >> i'm great. how are you? >> little cold out here? >> it is. and the show is about to start. i'm so excited. >> i want to talk to you, it's been such a year for you. over a million fans have packed into arenas all over the world to see you. does that still just blow you away? >> absolutely. it's crazy. we're actually -- i'm taking a red eye flight out here tonight after the show to go and play two shows at madison square garden to finish the tour. it's going to be so emotional because the tour has been such a huge part of my life for the past year and the fans have been so amazing. i can't believe we play to that many people and i'm just so excited to be here and also to get to play two shows at madison square garden. >> what an arena. count my family among your fans. we saw you here at staples center and unbelievable show. actually not a concert. it's a broadway performance. it's stunning. all the costumes, the videos, everything that goes into it and you have such a hand into it. >> thank you so much for saying

that. i really, really appreciate it when people take more than just a show away from it. it's so wonderful to get to put on a show that's got ballet and crazy stuff incorporated into it. i've always really been a huge broadway fan. i love to incorporate that into the show. >> two concerts at madison square guardenarden and do you break? >> i do. thanksgiving in nashville with my family. it will be amazing to get -- just hang out with my family and see them and celebrate this crazy year and catch up. i'm really excited. >> you're a southern girl. comfort food. what is it that you can't live without? >> just thanksgiving food. easy to please. just, like, the turkey and the whole thing where we eat all day and sweet potato casserole. unbelievable. >> katy perry, she walked in, ran into you. you guys know each other. seems like you have this mutual respect. >> oh, yeah, we love each other. she's so cool. we've been friends for a couple

of years and we were talking, i think, about a cat that i just got because we both have this mutual love for cats. we have both crazy cat ladies. it's fun to see friends at these shows. >> miss taylor swift, thank you for stopping by. congrats and i know it's emotional. enjoy the final two shows. >> absolutely. and thank you so much. wish me luck tonight. >> i will. good luck tonight. taylor swift, everybody. unbelievable. ryan? take it away. >> thank you, chris. i'm standing here with the queen of hip hop soul, marry j. blige. looking beautiful tonight, maybe a little cold. >> it's a little chilly out here. >> you're doing great. looking hot. you won four amas, right? >> yes. >> you're performing tonight a couple of songs. what is it like, kind of looking like. what was the most memorable win for you? >> the most memorable win for me was during the "breakthrough" album. just an amazing year for me and

i think i won two that year -- i think it was two that night i won and it was just a beautiful night. it was good. >> fantastic. and you have a new album dropping tomorrow, speaking of which, it's "my life ii," a follow-up. >> yes, tomorrow, the album comes out and the follow-up to the first "my life" album and the very first, we were in a placy i could say we weren't happy, but there's been so much growth since then and, you nope, just learning how to understand that. >> we're looking forward to seeing you performing. chris, right back to you. >> all right, thanks, buddy. well, that's just about going to do it out here. it's shutting down on the red carpet. thank you for watching and hand it over to my partner, vanessa lachey. been a pleasure working with you. >> thank you so much, chris. we are less than a few minutes away to another spectacular opening to the american music awards. and i'm standing here with the one, the only, the great mr. lionel richie.

>> where? >> right here. >> you are the american music awards. you have 17. you performed on the show. you hosted it twice. >> i hosted it and believe me when i tell you i'm doing deja vu right now. i spent most of my time trying to convince dick last i couldn't do it and he said, we're going to do it after. we'll talk about it after the show. >> you were standing right where we are standing, dick clark said, dick, i cannot do this. >> i don't know. plus, we had not rehearsed the ending of the show. i had no idea. >> you killed it. >> good luck. >> thank you. well, as someone who is officially open to the american music awards before, nicki minaj is our opening performance tonight. what do you think is going on in her held right now? >> i know exactly what's going through her head. she's thinking about, what about the gown? what about the function of the outfit? what about the sound? is sound going to be all right in my ear? how is my hair? and she's a little nervous. but as soon as the music starts,