The 2025 American Music Awards roared back to life with a bang after a two-year break, turning Las Vegas’s Fontainebleau into a hotbed of musical magic on May 26.
With Jennifer Lopez at the helm as host and performances streaming live on CBS and Paramount+, the AMAs returned in a blaze of lights, stars, and seismic sound.
Billie Eilish: The Unrivaled Queen of the Night
Billie Eilish stole the spotlight—and the silverware—walking away with a record-breaking seven awards, including the night’s top honors: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for her introspective masterpiece “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, and Song of the Year for the hauntingly tender “Birds of a Feather.” Though on tour in Europe, Eilish beamed in with a heartfelt thank-you that resonated with fans around the world.
Icons Crowned: Janet Jackson and Rod Stewart Honored
The night wasn’t just about new voices—it was also about celebrating the legends. Janet Jackson received the Icon Award, honoring her groundbreaking legacy in global pop culture, while rock legend Rod Stewart was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his place as a cornerstone of modern music.
Performances That Popped and Fizzled
While some fans felt let down by the pre-recorded sets from Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, the live performances kept the adrenaline pumping. Reneé Rapp made her mark with an electrifying debut of her new single “Leave Me Alone,” and Becky G lit up the stage with Latin flair. Still, the crowd couldn’t help but wonder what might’ve been with more live surprises.
Pride in the Spotlight
Inclusivity took center stage as queer representation flourished. Bisexual artists Megan Thee Stallion (Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist) and Doechii (Social Song of the Year for “Anxiety”) stood tall among winners, while Lady Gaga dominated the visuals category with three major wins: Favorite Music Video, Collaboration of the Year, and Dance/Electronic Artist.
2025 AMAs: The Winners Circle
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Artist of the Year – Billie Eilish
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Album of the Year – Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
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Song of the Year – “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
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New Artist of the Year – Gracie Abrams
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Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist – Megan Thee Stallion
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Social Song of the Year – “Anxiety” – Doechii
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Favorite Music Video – Lady Gaga
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Collaboration of the Year – Lady Gaga
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Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist – Lady Gaga
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Favorite Female R&B Artist – SZA
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Favorite R&B Song – “Saturn” – SZA
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Icon Award – Janet Jackson
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Lifetime Achievement Award – Rod Stewart
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Veterans Voice Award – Zac Brown
From fresh faces to timeless trailblazers, the 2025 AMAs proved that the music world is more vibrant, diverse, and emotionally resonant than ever. And with Billie Eilish at the helm of this new era, the future of sound looks gloriously bold.
