Machine Gun Kelly’s American Music Awards performance shocked viewers

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Machine Gun Kelly’s latest album “Tickets to My Downfall” may have gone No. 1 back in September. But many fans were first introduced to the Cleveland musician’s new artistic direction at Sunday’s American Music Awards.

“Tickets to My Downfall” is a pop-punk album, veering away from MGK’s hip hop past. Though, it’s worth pointing out his rap music was always influenced by rock. He’ll also be dropping a musical to coincide with his album in January.

Anyway, on Sunday, Machine Gun Kelly and collaborator Travis Barker hit the stage for a performance of the former’s rocking anthems “Bloody Valentine” and “My Ex’s Best Friend.” They were even introduced by MGK’s girlfriend, actress Megan Fox.

Viewers immediately took to social media to express their shock that Machine Gun Kelly now plays rock music, to which the 30-year-old star had an appropriate response:

Surprise. He's that artist that's not afraid to set outside of the box. What ever rapper wants to be a "Rockstars" but they have to uphold what the world tells them they are but he actually started that path for them to rock out on stage... hello world 🌎 meet Machine Gun Kelly. — Brittanytiaraxx 🖤🖤 🌟🌌🌟 (@TTMDBrittanyXX) November 23, 2020 And also I found out tonight that Machine Gun Kelly is not a rapper. — dayna (@allthedaynight) November 23, 2020 Just remembered machine gun kelly used to be a rapper or sum right? — K ⁷ 𖧵 ✨⟬⟭Jimin LOVEBOT 3000 (@Glossyyoong) November 23, 2020 Alt/punk Machine Gun Kelly is better than rapper Machine Gun Kelly — monica jane (@_monicajane) November 21, 2020 Alt/punk Machine Gun Kelly is better than rapper Machine Gun Kelly — monica jane (@_monicajane) November 21, 2020 I had to Google it. machine gun kelly he is a rapper. — Electoral College was a BAD idea (@ECwasabadidea) November 23, 2020 Boi I always thought Machine Gun Kelly is a rapper? 😂😭 why is he now singing with a guitarrrrr — ᴮᴱ셀린⁷ (@CypherEuphoria0) November 23, 2020