Artists United

Pop star croons ‘Mistletoe’ during light-filled set Sunday.
By James Dinh
Justin Bieber performs at the 2011 American Music Awards
Photo: Getty Images

Holiday cheer filled the 2011 American Music Awards on Sunday night (November 20) when Justin Bieber took to the stage to perform his festive hit “Mistletoe,” from his chart-topping Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe.

Presented by friend and collaborator Sean Kingston, the Biebster began the song atop a high platform as smoke spread below his feet. In an all-white ensemble, the singer strolled from each side of the platform, igniting a string of neon lights. As he crooned his way through the Messenger-produced song, Bieber walked onto lower platforms before making his way onto the main stage.

And it wasn’t just JB who lit up with arena, but also the audience. Cameras panned to shots of attendees waving glow sticks.

Bieber took to Twitter over the weekend to hype up his AMA performance, writing, “AMA blocking rehearsal. @dankanter is here. sounds like fun.” Kanter, his musical director, echoed similar sentiments about the star’s set. “AMA rehearsal. JB is killing it! Just wait until you all see him tomorrow night!!!” he tweeted.

JB has many more stuffers left in his stocking, including appearances on NBC’s Christmas tree lighting November 30 and TNT’s annual “Christmas in Washington” TV special December 11.