The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) made a dazzling return on Monday, May 26, 2025, lighting up the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Hosted by the multifaceted Jennifer Lopez, who also graced the stage as a performer, the event promised a night of sensational music and unforgettable fashion. Reports preceding the show indicated that Lopez had suffered a minor facial injury during rehearsals, though she was set to helm the ceremony as planned, bringing her 'one-of-a-kind energy' as described by Dick Clark Productions CEO Jay Penske.

Celebrities began arriving on the purple carpet, showcasing a diverse range of styles for the Memorial Day event. Among the first stars to arrive was influencer Alix Earle, donning a bodycon black dress paired with black, open-toed heels and a stunning diamond necklace. Earle, soon to be a "Dancing with the Stars" contestant, expressed her excitement about the new challenge, telling E! News, "It was a no brainer when I got asked, and I'm excited to challenge myself."

The night was highly anticipated, with Kendrick Lamar leading the nominee pack with an impressive 10 nods, including for Artist of the Year and Favorite Hip-Hop Male Artist. Taylor Swift followed with six nominations, with fans speculating she might make a major announcement, and any win would add to her record 40 AMA victories. Post Malone garnered eight nods, while Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey each received seven. Veteran stars like Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, SZA, and Sabrina Carpenter also vied for awards with six nods each. First-time nominees included Doechii, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Lola Young, and Benson Boone. The cast of Wicked, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, earned a nomination in the Favorite Soundtrack category.

The performance lineup was equally star-studded, featuring host Jennifer Lopez, Benson Boone, Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Reneé Rapp. Special honors were also part of the evening: Janet Jackson was honored with the ICON Award, Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Zac Brown was presented with the inaugural Veterans Voice Award.

Fashion statements were abundant on the red carpet. Ciara turned heads in a crystal-embellished strapless chainmail dress from Bronx and Banco's Fall 2023 collection, paired with towering platforms and Dolce & Gabbana metallic sandals. Shaboozey made a statement in a custom Etro plaid, country-inspired look complete with a check wool jacket, matching chaps, and David Yurman jewelry. Lainey Wilson embraced "Americana fashion" with a beautifully embroidered floral suit from Rahul Mishra, featuring a blazer, pants, and a matching cape. Machine Gun Kelly opted for a classic black-and-white suit with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. Reneé Rapp rocked a dramatic blazer dress with a deep V-neck and a sexy front slit, while Benson Boone arrived in a sophisticated emerald green David Yurman suit and a white top with a tie neckline.

Several celebrity couples turned the AMAs into a glamorous date night. Alex Warren, in a brown leather jacket, and his wife Kouvr Annon, in a strapless black dress, packed on the PDA. Spencer Pratt, dapper in an all-black suit, posed with his wife Heidi Montag, who turned heads in a sparkly blue two-piece ensemble with a fitted corset top and a new bob haircut. Gloria Estefan, dazzling in a red off-the-shoulder gown with floral detailing, attended with Emilio Estefan, marking her return to the AMAs stage for the first time in 30 years. David Guetta and his girlfriend Jessica Ledon coordinated in all-black looks.

While many stars shone, some outfits sparked considerable discussion and even landed on 'worst-dressed' lists. Heidi Klum's bold, all-black look was noted by some for its oversized cut feeling disproportionate. Heidi Montag's royal-blue superhero-esque outfit also drew mixed reactions. Rebecca Black's bridal-sailor ensemble by Erik Charlotte, featuring a short ivory dress and monogrammed veil, was another distinctive choice described as playful but perhaps not hitting the mark for some critics. Gloria Estefan's elegant red gown was commented on, with some observers suggesting she appeared uncomfortable. Jordan Chiles' white gown was described as 'too busy' with its textured bodice and metal straps, while pop singer Dora Jar's ripped plaid trenchcoat with a green hoodie was deemed confusing.

As the host, Jennifer Lopez was anticipated to showcase multiple show-stopping outfits throughout the evening, including a reported rubber-looking sheath dress and a near-nude bodysuit, continuing her trend of bold, 'revenge' fashion choices. The 2025 American Music Awards celebrated a year of impactful music, bringing together industry icons and rising stars for a memorable night in Las Vegas, broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.