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Music and energy keep things moving at the AMAs By Jacqueline Cutler © Zap2it Music awards shows can blend together, given that there are so many. What separates the 2011 American Music Awards, airing Sunday, Nov. 20, on ABC, from the others is that they were cre- ated for TV, and fans choose the winners. Dick Clark has always been the force behind the AMAs, which rely on what people want to listen to rather than having the industry set the agenda. For the fifth year, fans have voted online, and they gave the most nomina- tions, in four categories, to Adele. The 39th annual show, airing from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, features Nicki Minaj opening and Katy Perry clos- ing. Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Clarkson are among the other performers scheduled. The only caveat is that it's a live show, and the roster had changed in the weeks leading up to it. When the AMAs started, Larry Klein, the musician and producer, was a gofer. "There were Xerox ma- chines, and I was collating scripts one page at a time," he says. "I was getting people cigarettes and sodas. I deliv- ered scripts all over the city and had no idea of what L.A. was like and no idea of how to get around." Today, Klein runs the show. Unlike so many awards shows, this one has no host. It's kept moving "by the energy of the music and the energy in the room," Klein says. He brings artists together and figures out pairings, such as the Sarah McLachlan and Pink duet of "Angel" at the 2008 awards. Among this year's duets to look for is Pitbull and Marc Anthony singing "Rain Over Me." Pitbull, who is up for favor- ite male artist in the pop/rock and Latin music categories, takes a break from recording — in the closet of a friend's house. "The recording can be done anywhere," he says. With his songs charting in Europe, Asia and Australia, and already a megastar in Spanish-speaking countries, Pitbull vows to just continue to work harder. During a 20-minute interview, he fre- quently talks about learning — learning from other artists, learning how they handle the business end and just broad- ening his business, which now includes low-calorie vodka. Pitbull collaborates often and explains, "What you get out of that is you tap into their audience and vice versa. I think of it more as a univer- sity, and each collaboration is a class. You learn so much from each artist. I learn the way to record, and something about the business." What's on Your Farm? When he considers the AMAs, what he's most ex- cited about is "to be around such walking empires and song brands. "What I love at the awards show is to just sit there and observe and study every- body," he says. "You can tell who has longevity in the busi- ness as to how they handle their team." Like most of those inter- viewed, Adam Levine of Ma- roon 5 is excited about whom he may meet at the awards. "It happens all so ran- domly, and everyone under the sun will be there," Levine says. If he had the chance to meet anyone, "Paul McCart- ney would blow my mind," he says. Maroon 5 will sing "Moves Like Jagger" with Christina Aguilera. "It is hard singing on a stage with her because she is so good," Levine says. "I will have to flail my arms around and run around like a maniac." Though it's a huge audi- ence filled with music's top talent, Levine has played in front of 1 million people, and one of his first concerts was at producer Clive Davis' in front of Jay-Z, Missy Elliott and Smokey Robinson, so he doesn't give in to jitters. "A huge crowd of people is a huge crowd of people," he says. "You know when you are in a club or when you are in an arena it makes no dif- ference. It's like seeing a bear — you act like you are taller than the bear. That's what performing is." Justin Bieber, up for favor- ite male artist in the pop/rock category, also doesn't get stage fright. "I just feel like I have been doing this for 37 years, so I don't get nervous," says Bieber, who's singing "Mistle- toe." He also doesn't get star- struck. If he could pick any- one to perform with, it would be Stevie Wonder. Ryan Follese, frontman for Hot Chelle Rae, nominated for new artist in the pop/rock category, is completely amped up about the AMAs. Clearing Facts about cataracts! Vision blurry or foggy? Colors dull or muted? Glasses no longer working? Decreased night vision? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have cataracts. Schedule your FREE cataract consultation today! 800.283.8393 www.bolingvisioncenter.com GOSHEN OFFICE 1615 Winsted Drive | Goshen IN 46526 "We still are so used to playing such crap clubs and expecting nobody to come to the shows, and when we hear there is a 400-ticket presale, it's 'Are you kidding me?' It hasn't set in," Follese says. Even for singers such as Pitbull, who plays to sold-out arenas all over the world, the AMAs are a thrill. Pitbull may not write a full acceptance speech, but he plans to tap Orus Yoder Farm - Bremen, Indiana We help DESIGN your building for maximum energy efficiency Energy Efficient "Green" Building - it's important to us because it's your investment. Call us today - 800.552.2778 BORKHOLDER BUILDINGS & SUPPLY, LLP 786 US 6 W Nappanee, IN 574.773.3144 www.borkholder.com Justin Bieber is scheduled to perform at the 2011 American Music Awards, airing Sunday on ABC. 2 The Goshen News • Viewer's Choice • Saturday, November 19 - Friday, November 25, 2011 www.wedumor.com 522-9500 DuMor Water Specialists Inc. ... Delivering Quality Products & Services Since 1952 out notes on his phone, just to remind himself. "I always thank the same people," he says. "Those are the ones in the infrastructure and are always with me. It's not about winning the award. It's more of the experience and to be able to be in a room with so talented and powerful people, and to be able to absorb the energy and to apply it." things up ... family deserves! Call today for a FREE In-Home Quote! Providing the water your

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