25 best award show hosts
By Reed Gaudens
6. Tracee Ellis Ross
Show: 45th Annual American Music Awards (2017), 46th Annual American Music Awards (2018)
Memorable Moments: Now, the American Music Awards aren’t an award ceremony that’s especially esteemed or prestigious. It’s a fan-voted honor and it’s one step above the VMAs in prestige. Anything can happen, but it’s usually within the limits of what’s acceptable on network television. The best thing that could have happened to these awards was Tracee Ellis Ross. The Emmy-nominated star of ABC’s Black-ish assumed hosting duties in 2017 and 2018 and quickly showed us how it’s done. Between the two years, she wore an assortment of wild outfits, serenaded Kelly Clarkson, hosted a Ross family reunion on stage, and served us all an amazing dance number.
Public Reception: Since the American Music Awards aren’t necessarily event television, critics aren’t watching closely and sending out thoughtful reviews. But if they were, they would look an awful lot like this Vogue write-up, in which they present a solid argument that Tracee Elliss Ross should host every award show. As the host of a show known for its musical performances, she parlayed her insane stage presence into snagging a decent chunk of the spotlight. When you walk away from the AMAs noting that the host was the best part, you know she did something right.
Why They’re One of the Best: There’s a reason why Tracee Ellis Ross was asked to host the AMAs for two years straight, matching her mother’s record for hosting the same show, and she was asked to announce the Academy Award nominees with Kumail Nanjiani in 2019. She’s a warm and welcoming famous face, one that feels relatable and like a girlfriend, even when she’s confidently gassing herself up over her Emmy nods and fashion line. If there was ever an energy and vibe we needed not only at a music award show but the world in general, it’s that of Queen Tracee Ellis Ross.