Taylor Swift Makes History at the American Music Awards

On Oct. 9 at the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift opened the show with a revamped version of her hit “I Did Something Bad” complete with fierce facials, fire and (of course) a gigantic snake that reached the ceiling. But that was only one of her many moments throughout the night.

Swift took home four awards (Tour of the Year, for her Reputation Tour; Favorite Album — Pop/Rock, Reputation; Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock, and Artist of the Year) and successfully became the most decorated female AMA winner ever with 23 AMAs. She beat the record previously held by Whitney Houston.

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After winning for Favorite Album — Pop/Rock, Swift had a lot to say. “This is the first time I wrote an album based on a title first, she revealed. “I was writing the album based on all the facets of a reputation [while being surrounded by friends and family] who never loved me any less based on all the fluctuations of public opinion.”

“I always look at albums as chapters in my life,” she continued. “I’m so happy that you like this one. But I have to be really honest — I’m even more excited about the next chapter.”

But when she won for Artist of the Year, she had an even more important message to share. “Every single time this happens it represents encouragement and motivation for me to be better, work harder, and try and make you guys proud,” Swift said. “[I want to] mention the fact that this award, and every single award given out tonight, were voted on by the people. And you know what else is voted on by the people? The midterm elections on Nov. 6 — get out and vote. I love you guys.”

The urge to vote in the upcoming midterms comes after a very political post from Swift, in which she openly shared her support for Democratic nominees Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives.