If you watched even part of the 2010 American Music Awards last night (the lowest-rated telecast in the show’s history), you would be right in wondering whether you were witnessing the death of music itself. (Dave Stewart of Eurythmics tuned in, and was practically apoplectic.)

Studio wizardry, which, let’s face it, has always existed in one crude form or another, has progressed to a level that now makes it practically impossible for artists who desire to sing live to approximate their original, heavily-processed vocals. The thing that stuck out to me on the AMAs was that several performers seemed to succumb to the technology before our very eyes. Their hit songs were punching them right back.

Usher was utterly lost during “DJ Got Us Falling In Love,” while Pink, who I assumed would be a live highlight, appeared to be satisfied with a half-hearted effort of new single, “Raise Your Glass,” singing only here and there (say it ain’t so!). It was confounding to watch Enrique Iglesias, someone who’s previously relied on the powers of the magical music machine, snip the safety net halfway through his multi-song set to strain for high notes. And the less said about the Black Eyed Peas’ “The Time (The Dirty Bit),” the better; that travesty shouldn’t even be considered a song.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the recent infusion of dance and electro into mainstream pop, but based on the previous evening’s evidence, this marriage is an unholy arrangement for some performers. These tunes aren’t constructed to be sung live, something few are willing to admit. Whether they’ve laid this trap for themselves, or are powerless puppets of their respective labels, I dunno, but the 2010 AMAs proved to be the real reality show on last night (forget The Amazing Race and Undercover Boss).

Throughout last night’s broadast, I kept reminding myself that there are amazing pop peformers out there who don’t get Justin Bieber- or Taylor Swift-like levels of press. Artists like Robyn, Adele, and Sia don’t need glitter, explosions, or behind-the-scenes trickery to stand out. Their talent needs no such frippery when on display, though this subtle-by-comparison tack means existing in a smaller orbit within today’s music universe.

Proving my point, here’s Adele on Later… With Jools Holland, performing “Someone Like You,” accompanied only by piano. It’s another song from her new album, 21, out on February 22 (January 24 in the UK). Yes, I enjoy Katy Perry on record, but if I had to choose, I’d swiftly swap her for Adele in any form, any day:

Full disclosure: I did wake up this morning with Enrique’s “I Like It” blasting in my head. An AMA hangover, for sure, but I can’t deny the tune is a catchy one.