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Lorde brought the Hunger Games to the American Music Awards with the first-ever American TV performance of “Yellow Flicker Beat,” her single from the Mockingjay — Part 1 soundtrack.
Effie Trinket herself, Elizabeth Banks, introduced the 18-year-old pop star, who began her performance trapped in an orange-lit box and climbing the walls, with the camera taking ABC viewers inside the small space.
See more American Music Awards Best and Worst Moments
She emerged from the box about halfway through her performance to reveal that she was wearing a white crop top and black pants. She then performed with a group of white-clad dancers and rocked out for the rest of the song, tossing her hair.
Taylor Swift could be seen dancing and singing along to her friend’s performance from the audience.
Lorde went into Sunday night’s show with a handful of nominations but went home empty-handed.
See more American Music Awards 2014: The Red Carpet Arrivals
The Pitbull-hosted show also featured performances from Ariana Grande, 5 Seconds of Summer, Iggy Azalea, Mary J. Blige, Charli XCX, Fergie, Lorde, One Direction, Sam Smith, Garth Brooks, Selena Gomez, Imagine Dragons and Mr. Worldwide himself.
Azalea was the most nominated artist going into the show, with six nods. John Legend, Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams had five each.
One Direction and Perry were the big winners, though, each nabbing three trophies, with Azalea and Beyonce taking home two apiece, including Azalea’s first-ever award.
The AMAs aired live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live from 8 to 11 p.m. on ABC.
The 2014 American Music Awards were produced by Dick Clark Productions, a sister company of The Hollywood Reporter.
Read more AMAs coverage:
–American Music Awards: Best and Worst Moments
–Pitbull Pokes Fun at Hispanic-Skewing Ratings, Obama’s Immigration Address
–Taylor Swift Plays With Fire in “Blank Space” World Premiere Performance
–Iggy Azalea Wins First-Ever Award With Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album Trophy
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