The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) returned with a bang on May 26, lighting up the Fontainebleau Las Vegas after a two-year hiatus. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the star-studded event celebrated the biggest names in music, with electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and some unexpected twists that kept fans buzzing. Billie Eilish emerged as the night’s biggest winner, sweeping all seven categories she was nominated for, while artists like Beyoncé, Eminem, and SZA also claimed major honors. Here’s a deep dive into the winners, performances, and memorable moments from the 2025 AMAs.
Billie Eilish’s Historic Sweep
Billie Eilish, the 23-year-old pop sensation, stole the show with a perfect seven-for-seven win, solidifying her status as a music industry powerhouse. She took home the coveted Artist of the Year award, beating out heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande. Eilish also won Album of the Year for HIT ME HARD AND SOFT and Song of the Year for her soulful track “Birds of a Feather.” Her other victories included Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Song, Favorite Touring Artist, and more, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Eilish, who delivered her acceptance speech virtually, expressed gratitude to her fans, saying, “This means everything to me. You all make this possible.” Her sweep was a historic moment, as she became only the third artist in AMA history to win Artist of the Year after previously winning New Artist of the Year, following Carrie Underwood and Ariana Grande. Fans and critics alike praised her dominance, with many calling her the defining voice of her generation. For more on Eilish’s incredible night, check out Billboard’s complete winners list.
Beyoncé and Eminem Make Waves
While Eilish led the pack, Beyoncé and Eminem also left their mark. Beyoncé, absent from the ceremony, won two awards: Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for her groundbreaking COWBOY CARTER. This marked her first AMA wins in the country category, a testament to her ability to transcend genres. Her album, which blends country with R&B and pop, has been hailed as a cultural milestone, and her wins sparked conversations about diversity in country music.
Eminem, meanwhile, made a triumphant return to the AMAs, securing his first wins in 15 years. He took home Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce). The 52-year-old rapper, who last won an AMA in 2003, thanked his fans for their unwavering support, humorously noting, “I’m 24 years old, so this is crazy.” His victories underscored his enduring influence in hip-hop, even as newer artists like Kendrick Lamar, who led with 10 nominations but won only Favorite Hip-Hop Song for “Not Like Us,” competed fiercely. For a full breakdown of the winners, visit Variety’s AMAs coverage.
Other Notable Winners
The 2025 AMAs celebrated a diverse range of talent across genres. SZA walked away with two awards: Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for her introspective hit “Saturn.” Her emotional acceptance speech resonated with fans, as she dedicated her wins to those who find hope in her music. Gracie Abrams, a rising star, won New Artist of the Year and thanked her fans in a heartfelt video message, saying, “You’ve reminded me of the light out there.”
In the country category, Post Malone earned his first AMA win as Favorite Male Country Artist, reflecting his successful pivot to the genre. Dan + Shay took home Favorite Country Duo or Group, presented by Shaboozey and Megan Moroney in a moment that sparked viral attention due to Moroney’s comment about the Carter Family “inventing” country music, which prompted a subtle reaction from Shaboozey.
The Latin music scene saw Becky G win Favorite Female Latin Artist, while KAROL G also claimed a spot in the winner’s circle. In K-pop, RM made history as the first solo K-pop artist to win Favorite K-pop Artist, following BTS’s group win in 2022. Other standout winners included Benson Boone for Favorite Music Video (“Beautiful Things”), Doechii for Social Song of the Year (“Anxiety”), and Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, who shared awards for Favorite Music Video and Collaboration of the Year for their duet “Die With a Smile.”
Performances That Stole the Show
The AMAs weren’t just about awards—they were a showcase of unforgettable performances. Jennifer Lopez kicked off the night with a high-energy medley of 2025’s top hits, proving why she remains a global icon. Her hosting gig, her second time at the AMAs after 2015, was a highlight, with Lopez bringing charisma and warmth to the stage.
Janet Jackson, honored with the prestigious Icon Award, delivered a nostalgic performance, blending her classic “Someone to Call My Lover” with Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off.” It marked her first television performance in seven years, and the crowd gave her a standing ovation. Gloria Estefan also made a rare appearance, performing her timeless hit “Conga” and celebrating her Latin music legacy in her first AMAs performance in over 30 years.
Other performers included Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp, who gave the live debut of her single “Leave Me Alone.” The night also featured tributes to veterans, aligning with Memorial Day, with artists like Gwen Stefani and Rod Stewart adding emotional depth to the ceremony.
Surprises and Snubs
The 2025 AMAs were not without their share of surprises and controversies. Taylor Swift, who holds the record for the most AMA wins with 40, was shut out despite six nominations, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Fans, expecting a surprise appearance or an announcement about her long-awaited Reputation (Taylor’s Version), were disappointed when she skipped the event entirely. Some speculated she prioritized supporting her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, at an NFL game, but her absence fueled online debates. Learn more about the snubs and surprises at Yahoo’s AMAs recap.
Chappell Roan, another artist with seven nominations, also went home empty-handed, a shock to fans who expected her to dominate given her meteoric rise. Kendrick Lamar, despite leading with 10 nominations, only secured one win, prompting discussions about whether the fan-voted format favored popularity over critical acclaim.
A Night of Diversity and Celebration
The 2025 AMAs highlighted the evolving music landscape, with queer artists like Billie Eilish and Doechii taking home major awards, showcasing the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ talent. The ceremony also embraced global influences, with wins for K-pop’s RM and Afrobeat artist Tyla, reflecting the AMAs’ commitment to inclusivity.
The event’s return to television after a two-year break was a triumph, drawing millions of viewers to CBS’s live broadcast. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas provided a glamorous backdrop, and the red carpet was a spectacle of bold fashion choices, from Machine Gun Kelly’s edgy look to the “Emo Girl” singer’s vibrant ensemble. However, Kelly left early to care for his and Megan Fox’s newborn daughter, a heartwarming moment that resonated with fans.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 AMAs set a high bar for awards season, blending nostalgia with fresh talent and sparking conversations about the future of music. Billie Eilish’s sweep, Beyoncé’s country breakthrough, and Eminem’s comeback proved that the AMAs remain a vital platform for celebrating artistic excellence. As fans dissect the wins, snubs, and viral moments, one thing is clear: the 2025 AMAs delivered a night to remember.
2025 American Music Awards Winners List
- Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
- Album of the Year: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish
- Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- New Artist of the Year: Gracie Abrams
- Favorite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish
- Favorite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish
- Favorite Pop Song: “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem
- Favorite Hip-Hop Album: The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) – Eminem
- Favorite Hip-Hop Song: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- Favorite Female Country Artist: Beyoncé
- Favorite Country Album: COWBOY CARTER – Beyoncé
- Favorite Male Country Artist: Post Malone
- Favorite Country Duo or Group: Dan + Shay
- Favorite Female R&B Artist: SZA
- Favorite R&B Song: “Saturn” – SZA
- Favorite R&B Album: SOS Deluxe: LANA – SZA
- Favorite Female Latin Artist: Becky G
- Favorite Music Video: “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
- Collaboration of the Year: “Die With a Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
- Favorite Male Pop Artist: Bruno Mars
- Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist: Lady Gaga
- Social Song of the Year: “Anxiety” – Doechii
- Favorite K-pop Artist: RM
- Favorite Afrobeat Artist: Tyla
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