Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.


Music and fashion came together at the 2008 American Music Awards, where Beyonce, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift lit up Nokia Live.

Miley celebrated her much anticipated sweet 16 as her dad, Billy Ray, talked about getting her the BMW she wants. The teenage pop icon celebrated backstage with Taylor, Jordin Sparks, Ashley Tisdale, Julianne Hough, her parents and an impressive three-tiered cake.

I shot backstage and red carpet for the event, which gave me a good opportunity to create shots and put random stars together, like Lance Bass and Taylor Swift, Tommy Lee and Chris Daughtery, Rihanna and Pink.

The one dress that stuck out in my mind belonged to singer Colbie Caillat. She wore live flowers, designed by Fairy Fou Frou. Seriously -- she wore a dress made of flowers.

Chris Brown won three awards including Favorite Artist of the Year and Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Kanye West, each took home two AMA trophies.

Surprise guest Justin Timberlake presented the 2008 American Music Awards special "Award of Merit" to Annie Lennox honoring her work with the groundbreaking Eurythmics and her illustrious solo career and philanthropic work.