Glittering, Sparkling and Shining Dresses at 2012 American Music Awards (AMAs)

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Celebrities swarmed yesterday’s 40th Anniversary American Music Awards 2012, held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.

As if their megastar wattage wasn’t enough to make them stand out and attract attention, the majority of the ladies donned glittery, sparkly, and shiny dresses for the high-profile event.

It was a parade of blinding yet beautiful ensembles at the 2012 AMAs. These still pictures are already dazzling, but with all the cameras there, it must have been even more so on the red carpet.

Light-catching dresses are one of the pillars here, so we’re happy to bring you all of these glittery, sparkly and shiny dresses worn at the 2012 American Music Awards. Also, make sure to check out some of the best shoes!

Who was YOUR best dressed? We’re torn between Carrie Underwood and Carly Rae Jepsen!

Dazzling Metallics on the Red Carpet

Flat tonal sequins on Carrie Underwood’s dress and metallic embroidery thread on Heidi Klum‘s mini dress showcased shimmery sheen on the red carpet.

Pink looked marvelous in bronze metallic leather, while Nicki Minaj was literally glowing in her bright neon yellow gown. (Side note: We previously saw Nicki Minaj’s dress on Julie Bowen at the 2012 Emmy Awards!)

Carrie Underwood in a purple sequin cap-sleeve Abed Mahfouz gown at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012Carrie Underwood in a purple sequin cap-sleeve Abed Mahfouz gown at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Heidi Klum in a gold lace mini dress from Alexandre Vauthier’s Fall 2012 Couture collectionHeidi Klum in a gold lace mini dress from Alexandre Vauthier’s Fall 2012 Couture collection at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Nicki Minaj in a lime-green draped trumpet dress from Monique Lhuillier at the 2012 American Music AwardsNicki Minaj in a lime-green draped trumpet dress from Monique Lhuillier at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Pink in a bronze Catherine Deane gown at the 2012 American Music AwardsPink in a bronze Catherine Deane gown at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Elegance in Subtlety: Glimmers and Gemstones

Kelly Rowland, Taylor Swift, and Ginnifer Goodwin opted for a more subtle sparkle. It was a smattering of gemstones for Kelly, square sequins interlaced with lace for Taylor, and an intricate web detailed with sequins for Ginnifer:

Kelly Rowland in a Naeem Khan Fall 2012 dress and taupe strappy Gucci sandalsKelly Rowland in a Naeem Khan Fall 2012 dress and taupe strappy Gucci sandals at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Taylor Swift in a nude-toned metallic mini dress from Zuhair Murad at the 2012 American Music AwardsTaylor Swift in a nude-toned metallic mini dress from Zuhair Murad at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Ginnifer Goodwin in an Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 cocktail dress at the 2012 American Music AwardsGinnifer Goodwin in an Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 cocktail dress at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Glamour Unleashed: Bold and Bright Statements

Hayden Panettiere smoldered in a flirty, sparkly mini dress, Elisha Cuthbert didn’t shy away from a glamorous golden gown, and Carly Rae Jepsen stood out in a sweet, heavily beaded pink mermaid gown. It was either go big or go home for these celebrities!

Hayden Panettiere flaunts her sexy legs in an Armani dress and handbag with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and jewels by Jacqueline Nerguizian at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012Hayden Panettiere flaunts her sexy legs in an Armani dress and handbag with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and jewels by Jacqueline Nerguizian at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Carly, who performed her new single “This Kiss” during the show, completed her outfit with an Edie Parker clutch, Brian Atwood shoes, and Effy jewelry.

Eliza Cuthbert in an Editions by Georges Chakra Spring 2011 gown at the 2012 American Music AwardsEliza Cuthbert in an Editions by Georges Chakra Spring 2011 gown at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Carly Rae Jepsen in a Gomez-Gracia dress at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012Carly Rae Jepsen in a Gomez-Gracia dress at the 2012 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)