Music world sparkles on AMA red carpet

One Direction, Selena Gomez and Zendaya were among the stars turning heads on the red carpet at the American Music Awards.

Boy band heart-throb Harry Styles made an unusual choice with a pale flared floral suit while bandmates Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson opted for more sedate dark suits.

Gomez sent photographers into a frenzy in a maroon sequinned gown with a daring low back that showed off her tattoo while singer Zendaya sported a short neon pink dress with lace floral details.

Demi Lovato channelled old Hollywood in a black and gold floor length gown with pin curled hair and girl group Fifth Harmony, who first found fame on the American version of the X Factor, dressed to impress in ballgowns for the ceremony at the Microsoft Theatre in central Los Angeles.

The awards show, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, will feature a string of star-studded performances, including a duet from Alanis Morissette and Lovato, as well as sets from Gwen Stefani, 5 Seconds Of Summer and The Weeknd.

There will also be a performance of John Williams' famous Star Wars score from Pentatonix, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.

Justin Bieber will close the action-packed show performing a medley of his biggest hits.

Taylor Swift is the most nominated artist at the awards this year, with six nods.

Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd picked up five nominations while Sam Smith, Nicki Minaj and Meghan Trainor scored four.

Kendall and Kylie Jenner both wore black dresses as they arrived together minutes before the show started.

Also in black was singer Ciara, who wore a sheer floor-length gown and model Gigi Hadid who wore a stunning white ensemble that showed off her midriff.

The Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus did not let the setting sun deter him from wearing sunglasses on the red carpet, while Fast And Furious star Tyrese Gibson arrived at the ceremony in a dark tuxedo with his daughter.