Awards shows are good for two things: twitter chat and beauty recaps. The 2011 American Music Awards were no different, so check out the three ladies that made us stop and stare.
Doesn’t Jennifer Hudson put the glam back into lace fronts? This look is flawless. The singer recently started rocking blunt-cut, highlighted ends on her long bob and it definitely brightens up her face. Brown beauties should muster up some of Jen’s courage and rock a bold, colored lipstick on their full lips. The starlet proves that you can mix a smoky neutral eye and a loud pout.
Nicki Minaj wore one of her less mesmerizing pink wigs and a nude, shimmering shadow for the red carpet. Instead of wearing her usual full lashes, the raptress applied half lashes near the end of the lash line for a sexy butterfly wing effect. She kept the bubble gum pink lip, but later added a little more smoky drama to her eyes for her futuristic performance.
Nobody rocks an updo like Mary J Blige. Be it a braided bun or regal French twist, the soulful singer always finds a new way to look like a queen. Her stylist molded her tresses into this fabulous '60s bouffant for last night’s event. Her bronzed glow was in full effect, with the addition of rich, black-rimmed eyes.

(Photos: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)