LOS ANGELES – The American Music Awards ended on a high note as Penatonix took the stage for the ultimate “Star Wars” tribute.
Harrison Ford introduced the a Capella group as they shared the stage with a 75-piece orchestra to praise John Williams. Harrison discussed Williams’ contributions to the movie world, including the theme songs to “Jaws,” “E.T.” and, of course, “Star Wars.”
The Microsoft theatre stood still, without a peep from the audience as a new clip from “The Force Awakens” aired live during the show. Pentatonix harmonized to a melody of the “Star Wars” score.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens December 18th.
Jennifer Lopez hosted the 43rd annual awards ceremony at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. One Direction took home artist of the year award.
"This is a testament to how incredible our fans are," Louis Tomlinson said onstage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
"We just want to thank everyone that's helped us in the last five years," Liam Payne added.
The band won the top award at last year's show — as a quintet with Zayn Malik. They also won favorite duo or group — pop/rock Sunday night.
Bieber, who won best collaboration with Diplo and Skrillex, closed the night with a medley of his hits, including "Sorry," ''Where Are U Now" and "What Do You Mean." Purple laser lights beamed from the stage as the singer danced and sang for the loud audience. He ended it drenched after standing under a waterfall.
The Weeknd's performance was also a favorite, and he walked away with two awards, and presented the first one from Prince.
"Make some noise for Prince, ladies and gentlemen," the singer said after picking up favorite album — soul/R&B for "Beauty Behind the Madness."
Nicki Minaj was also a double winner, taking home favorite artist and album — rap/hip-hop. She encouraged her feverish fans to "find their voice."
"I want to just thank you, the fans, for allowing me to change and have a different voice every time I come back out (with a new album)," Minaj said. "And please find your voice and find your purpose before it's too late. Love you."
Other girls at the awards show encouraged their peers: Zendaya and Hailee Steinfeld danced excited as Selena Gomez performed onstage; Fifth Harmony and Rebel Wilson sang as Demi Lovato was in strong form with "Confident"; and Gomez sang as Grande performed "Focus" in a shimmery number.
Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth's performance got additional attention after the singers made out onstage after singing their song, "Marvin Gaye," which features the lyrics: "Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on."
Harrison Ford introduces a performance by Pentatonix at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
"I'm still laughing at Charlie and Meghan smooching," Luke Bryan said onstage after winning favorite male artist — country.
Bryan beat out Jason Aldean and Sam Hunt, who won new artist of the year.
Taylor Swift, who is out of the country shooting a music video, was the top nominee with six. She won song of the year for "Blank Space," favorite album — pop/rock for "1989" and favorite artist — adult contemporary.
Swift lost favorite female artist — pop/rock to Ariana Grande, who was shocked when accepting the honor.
"I think I owe a lot of this to my nonna who made sure to remind me that she voted. She goes, 'Ariana, I went on the computer, I voted, so I think you'll win,'" Grande said in an Italian accent.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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