The 48th annual American Music Awards were held on November 22nd at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. From the very first award announced (Favorite Album – Soul/R&B), people wondered, “Why did the Weeknd accept this award with his face all bandaged up?”

Back in August, the Weeknd accepted his award at the MTV Video Music Awards similarly: his face bloodied and bruised. In both instances, the facial injuries were merely makeup. He wanted to reflect his single “Blinding Lights” from his album After Hours. In an interview with Esquire Magazine, he stated that “‘Blinding Lights’ [is about] how you want to see someone at night, and you’re intoxicated, and you’re driving to this person and you’re just blinded by streetlights, but nothing could stop you from seeing that person, because you’re so lonely. I don’t want to ever promote drunk driving, but that’s what the dark undertone is.” The Weeknd wanted to warn people of the dangers of drunk driving by showing some potential injuries if an accident occurred.

As the night progressed, the Weeknd also won Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B and Favorite Song – Soul/R&B (for “Heartless”). He continued with the bandaged look throughout the night, even while performing his singles “Save Your Tears” and “In Your Eyes” with Kenny G. He was one of the most nominated artists at the AMA’s (along with Roddy Ricch) with eight nominations and one of the most awarded artists (along with Taylor Swift, Dan + Shay, and Justin Bieber) with three awards won.