The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) unfolded on Monday, May 26, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking a significant night in the music calendar. Hosted by the multifaceted Jennifer Lopez, the annual ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements across the music industry, with winners determined by fan voting. For the first time, the event was broadcast live on CBS, also streaming on Paramount+.

Jennifer Lopez, hosting the AMAs for the second time and her first since 2015, delivered a spectacular opening. She performed a high-energy dance medley featuring 23 of the year's biggest hits, including snippets of Billie Eilish's "Birds of a Feather," Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em," Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," and Chappell Roan's "Hot to Go." Her performance, which included choreographed kisses with both male and female backup dancers, sparked considerable online discussion, drawing mixed reactions from praise for her energy to comments describing it as "cringe" or "vulgar." Tiffany Haddish humorously remarked on the number of kisses during the show. Following the AMAs, Lopez announced her new Las Vegas residency, "Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas," scheduled for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with dates in December 2025, January 2026, and March 2026.

The night's most dominant figure was Billie Eilish, who achieved a remarkable clean sweep, winning all seven awards for which she was nominated. Her accolades included the coveted Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for "Hit Me Hard and Soft," and Song of the Year for "Birds of a Feather." Eilish also secured wins for Favorite Touring Artist, Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album (also for "Hit Me Hard and Soft"), and Favorite Pop Song (also for "Birds of a Feather"). Currently on tour in Europe, Eilish was not present in person but accepted her awards via heartfelt video messages, expressing her disbelief and gratitude to her fans.

Music legend Janet Jackson was honored with the prestigious Icon Award. Marking her first televised performance in seven years, Jackson captivated the audience with a medley of her classic hits, including "Someone to Call My Lover" and "All for You." In her acceptance speech, she humbly stated she doesn't consider herself an icon, attributing her success to family, faith, and hard work, and emphasizing that their dream was never about fame but a love for music and dance.

Sir Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award in a touching segment where he was surprised on stage by five of his eight children who presented him with the honor. The 80-year-old music icon, visibly "flabbergasted" by their presence, performed his timeless hit "Forever Young." In his speech, Stewart reflected on his early career, stating his burning ambition was simply to sing, not to achieve riches or fame. The ceremony also recognized Zac Brown with the special Veterans Voice Award.

Taylor Swift, despite receiving six major nominations including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for "The Tortured Poets Department," did not win any awards. Her absence from the event, both in person and via video, was a significant talking point, fueling fan disappointment and speculation, particularly regarding an anticipated announcement for "Reputation (Taylor’s Version)." Many Swifties voiced frustration online, accusing the AMAs of disrespect, citing allegedly muted crowd cheers during her nominee mentions and the exclusion of her music from Jennifer Lopez's opening medley. Her official fan page, Taylor Nation, also remained silent during the show.

The red carpet buzzed with celebrity arrivals and fashion statements. Notable couples included Alex Warren and Kouvr Annon, who shared a kiss, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, and Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Jennifer Lopez herself wore a striking light-brown Defaïence gown on the carpet. Ciara stunned in a silver Bronx and Banco creation, and gracefully handled a minor wardrobe malfunction where her fashion tape became visible. Tiffany Haddish also chose a piece from Bronx and Banco. Other fashion mentions included Heidi Klum in Stephane Rolland and Wayne Brady in a distinctive printed suit. Machine Gun Kelly made an appearance but departed early as his two-month-old daughter, shared with Megan Fox, had a fever. He spoke about fatherhood being his purpose.

Beyond the major honorees and the host, the AMAs stage featured a lineup of dynamic performances. Benson Boone performed his single "Mystical Magical," while other artists captivating the audience included Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan who led a celebratory "Conga," Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Reneé Rapp, Alex Warren, Rebecca Black, and a collaborative performance by Becky G and Manuel Turizo.

A notable viral moment from the evening involved Shaboozey. While co-presenting an award with Megan Moroney, Shaboozey's subtle side-eye and laugh in response to Moroney's comment that the Carter Family "basically invented country music" quickly gained traction on social media.

In the K-Pop realm, RM of BTS was named Favorite K-Pop Artist. Fellow BTS member Jimin was also nominated in the category, and his fans showed strong support online, praising his talent and resilience in the face of perceived challenges.

Numerous other artists were celebrated throughout the night. In Pop, Bruno Mars won Favorite Male Pop Artist. The Hip-Hop categories saw Eminem win Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)," his first AMA in 15 years. Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" took Favorite Hip-Hop Song, and Megan Thee Stallion was named Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist. Country music honors went to Beyoncé for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album with "Cowboy Carter." Post Malone won his first AMA for Favorite Male Country Artist, and his collaboration with Morgan Wallen, "I Had Some Help," won Favorite Country Song. Dan + Shay secured Favorite Country Duo or Group for the fifth consecutive time. Some awards, like Album of the Year and Song of the Year, were noted as newly introduced or redefined categories for this year's show.

Further awards highlighted the diverse talent in music. SZA was a double winner, taking Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for "Saturn." The Weeknd won Favorite Male R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Album for "Hurry Up Tomorrow." Latin music victors included Bad Bunny for Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Album ("DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS"), Becky G for Favorite Female Latin Artist, Shakira for Favorite Latin Song ("Soltera"), and Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda for Favorite Latin Duo or Group. In Rock, Twenty One Pilots won Favorite Rock Artist and Favorite Rock Album ("Clancy"), while Linkin Park's "The Emptiness Machine" won Favorite Rock Song.

Rounding out the major awards, Tyla was named Favorite Afrobeats Artist. Gracie Abrams won the coveted New Artist of the Year award. Doechii's "Anxiety" was recognized as the Social Song of the Year. The award for Favorite Soundtrack went to "Arcane League of Legends: Season 2." Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars also won Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Music Video for "Die With a Smile," with Lady Gaga additionally winning Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist.

The 2025 American Music Awards successfully showcased a vibrant spectrum of musical talent, punctuated by Billie Eilish's historic sweep, heartfelt tributes to industry icons, Jennifer Lopez's multifaceted hosting, and passionate fan engagement that extended well beyond the Las Vegas venue.