Sting has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the American Music Award of Merit at the American Music Awards on November 20.
Sting has never performed on the American Music Awards but will take the stage this year to sing a medley of his best-known songs along with I Can’t Stop Thinking of You, the first single from his album 57th & 9th.
The American Music Award of Merit is only given when the show’s producers decide to recognize an artist “who have made truly exceptional contributions to the music industry.” The award has not been given since 2008 when Annie Lennox was the recipient. Other past honorees include Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Prince and Frank Sinatra.
This is the 44th annual American Music Awards whose nominees are based on album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, social activity and touring. The winners are then selected by a vote by the public.
The nominations for the 2016 American Music Awards were announced earlier this month, revealing that Drake leads with 13 nominations, while Rihanna received seven and Adele and Justin Bieber received five nominations each. Beyoncé and The Chainsmokers each received four nominations. Additionally, Bryson Tiller, Twenty One Pilots, Carrie Underwood, Fetty Wap and The Weeknd earned three nominations each.
