Selena Gomez gets criticized for 'off-key' AMAs performance, fans blame nerves
Selena Gomez made quite the comeback to the American Music Awards as she rocked Sunday night’s red carpet in a lime green mini dress. But once she took the stage for the show’s opening performance, people weren’t so sure if the singer was prepared for her first live TV performance in two years. Instead, some suggested that she should have lip-synced.
The 27-year-old singer posted to Twitter just an hour prior to her appearance to hype fans up over her electric look.
It’s almost time!! 💚 #AMAs pic.twitter.com/xnr3m4GicE
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) November 25, 2019
After the carpet she turned heads in another two looks for her first performances of “Lose You to Love Me” and “Look at Her Now.” Still, audiences were quick to look past her ensembles and criticize her “off-key” singing.
selena gomez: ok this is my big come back. sing it loud and proud.
also selena gomez: #AMAs pic.twitter.com/4fAVqLlofK— estelle (@stellount) November 25, 2019
Am i the only one not impressed with Selena Gomez? For a show opener, that was a really off key and overall weak performance. #AMAs
— Samantha Nicole (@leoprincess91) November 25, 2019
Powerful???? Stop lying! I was rooting for her but something happened with that performance!
— Alejandro (@haus_alejandro) November 25, 2019
Wow I didn’t know Selena Gomez sang THAT BAD #SelenaxAMAs #AMAs #SorryNotSorry
— JJBBMM (@AvecesJosefa) November 25, 2019
Selena gomez should’ve honestly just lip synced the first performance too... 😬
— s e l e n a (@ItsSelenna) November 25, 2019
...so now im really starting to believe the rumors that julia michaels ghostsings for selena gomez cause... #AMAs pic.twitter.com/ya7RdtXUBo
— zeezee (@stutterjawnpod) November 25, 2019
Omg, I love Selena Gomez but sis sounds a hot ass mess 🤦🏻?♀?
— Hay (@Beanboski) November 25, 2019
While people called the performance “weak,” many of Gomez’s fans came to her defense to say that it was likely nerves that impacted her vocals.
Everyone in the comments hating... try to stand on the stage after 2 years absolutely not performing and opening one of the biggest American award show. It wasn’t the best but she was great.
— Matty (@_SelBTS) November 25, 2019
you could see on her face during the first song she was extremely nervous. take note she hasn’t performed on a stage this big since 2017
— dalton (@distortedgomez) November 25, 2019
she seemed really nervous, we all know that she could do better
— cara (@fIirtgrande) November 25, 2019
It's been how long since @selenagomez has performed!? I'm sure she was hella nervous singing such personal songs for the first time and we don't know what she's going through physically/health wise. I'm not here for the shady tweets ? #AMAs
— Masi (@ttlroxer8) November 25, 2019
One person even claimed that Gomez had a panic attack backstage just before her performance. Luckily, the singer had major support from some of her friends in the front row, including Taylor Swift and Halsey.
find you some friends who support you like Halsey and Taylor Swift supported Selena Gomez #AMAs pic.twitter.com/NihW75gkEg
— Cloud9ineDreams🌻 (@Cloud9ineDreams) November 25, 2019
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
American Music Awards 2019: Hollywood's biggest music stars rock the red carpet
Lizzo brought the tiniest Valentino bag to the AMAs, and fans have some theories about what's inside
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle’s newsletter.