AMA 2018: Thomas Rhett says Taylor Swift is a "force" behind making fans vote

Thomas Rhett congratulates Taylor Swift on being the star of the series, not only for breaking the record of the most decorated female artist in the history of the American Music Awards, but also for breaking her silence on politics.

On the red carpet in anticipation of the 2018 AMA, PEOPLE discussed with singer "Life Changes", where he stood alongside his friend for taking a political stance and encouraged fans to vote in the upcoming elections mid Road.

"That's Taylor's strength and everything she says, a lot of people listen to it," said 28-year-old Thomas Rhett. "I find it great that she uses her platform to defend something she believes in."

"No matter where you live, voting can change your lifestyle or that of your family," he continued. "It is very important to register to vote."

Taylor Swift; Thomas Rhett

Steve Granitz / WireImage; Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

After opening the AMA with a fiery performance of her song "I Did Something Bad," the Grammy winner won the highest award of the evening: the year 's artist. During her powerful acceptance speech, she reminded her young women to vote in mid-term elections.

"I just want to say to the fans … you've been so nice to me and so funny, and you're so funny, so cool and so loyal," the superstar said in her thank you speech. "Whenever you've got the chance to get on stage and have something really shiny in your hands, it means something different."

RELATED: AMAs 2018: see the complete list of winners

"This time, I just want you to know that it means encouragement … for me to be better, work harder and be as proud as possible," she continued. "This award and each of the prizes awarded tonight have been voted by the people, and you know that the people also vote on the mid-term elections of November 6. Go out and vote. I love you!"

Taylor Swift accepts the Artist of the Year award on stage at the 2018 American Music Awards.

Frederick M. Brown / Getty

On Sunday, the 28-year-old "Look What You Made Me" singer broke her political silence to support two Democratic candidates in the mid-term elections in Tennessee.

Check out PEOPLE's complete AMA coverage for the latest news from one of the biggest nights of music.

"I'm writing this article about the upcoming mid-term elections on November 6, during which I will be voting in the state of Tennessee," launched his long message alongside a moderate Polaroid . "In the past, I have been reluctant to publicly express my political views, but because of many events in my life and around the world in the past two years, I have a very different opinion about it now."

Swift continued: "I have always voted and will always vote according to the candidate who will protect and defend the human rights we all deserve in this country. I believe in the struggle for LGBTQ rights and for the fact that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is FALSE. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, disgusting and widespread. "

"I can not vote for someone who will not want to fight for the dignity of ALL Americans, no matter what their skin color, sex or what they like," he said. she explains. "In the state of Tennessee, a woman named Marsha Blackburn is a candidate in the Senate. Although in the past and I want to continue to vote for women in office, I can not support Marsha Blackburn. "

Swift analyzed the history of the Republican Republic Blackburn. "His voting record in Congress bothers me and terrifies me. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the law on the re-authorization of violence against women, which aims to protect women from domestic violence, criminal harassment and date rape. She believes that businesses have the right to refuse to serve gay couples. She also thinks that they should not have the right to get married. These are not my Tennessee values. "

RELATED: Did you miss the AMA? Here are the best moments you need to see