I worked as wardrobe assistant lead at the 2021 American Music Awards, supporting performance wardrobe for New Edition, Walker Hayes, and other performers across the show. The role covered outfit prep, on-camera presentation, and health protocols specific to producing a live show during COVID.
My Role
Helped prep and set wardrobe for multiple performers across the show
Set and finalized outfits ahead of each performance
Checked performer wardrobe for camera — making sure everything read correctly on broadcast, not just in person
Helped maintain clean, protocol-compliant wardrobe areas throughout the show, per COVID-era production requirements
How I Handled It
Prepped and staged outfits ahead of time for each performer, so wardrobe was ready to go the moment it was needed
Did final on-camera checks before performers went out, adjusting anything that wouldn't read well under broadcast lighting
Kept wardrobe areas clean and protocol-compliant throughout the show, maintaining that standard alongside the normal pace of prep and quick turnarounds
The Challenge
A multi-performer live broadcast means wardrobe has to be fully prepped and ready on a tight rotation, with each look checked not just for fit and styling but for how it would actually read on camera under broadcast lighting. Layered on top of that: this was a 2021 production, meaning every wardrobe area also had to meet COVID-era cleanliness and health protocols, without slowing down the pace of a live show.
The Result
Wardrobe was successfully executed for New Edition, Walker Hayes, and other performers across the broadcast, with every look camera-ready and all COVID health protocols maintained throughout the show.
