Taylor Swift had a big night at this year’s American Music Awards, clinching three trophies, including Artist of the Year, favorite pop/rock female, and favorite music video for her song “Cardigan,” according to Variety. However, Swift did not make an appearance at the Taraji P. Henson-hosted awards show last night because she said she was busy rerecording songs from earlier in her career.
“The reason I’m not there tonight is I’m actually recording all of my old music in the studio where we originally recorded it,” Swift said via video, according to CNN. “So, it’s been amazing, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”
Swift was referring to the fact she recently announced she would redo her old catalog after her master recordings were, again, sold, without her approval. Famous music manager Scooter Braun bought her music catalog from her old record label last year, and then his company, Ithaca Holdings, recently sold the masters to her first six albums to Shamrock Capital without her consent.
Swift added she is especially appreciative of the AMA wins since they are “fan voted.” During the ceremony, she also broke the previous record she held for winning the most AMAs. She went from 29 awards to 32.
The Weeknd also won three awards at last night’s ceremony, including for favorite male soul R&B artist, favorite soul/R&B song, and favorite soul/R&B song. Dan + Shay also won three AMAs for collaboration of the year, favorite country song, and favorite duo or group.