The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), held on May 26 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, delivered a night of electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and unexpected twists that left fans buzzing.
Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who also performed a steamy opening medley, the fan-voted awards show honored music’s biggest names while sparking debates over some surprising wins and notable snubs.
Billie Eilish’s Sweep and Taylor Swift’s Shutout
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Billie Eilish emerged as the night’s biggest winner, sweeping all seven categories she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Her dominance marked a significant moment for the young artist, cementing her as a leading voice in music. However, the night wasn’t without controversy. Taylor Swift, a perennial AMAs favorite with six nominations, was shut out entirely—her first time leaving empty-handed since 2007.
Swift, who last appeared publicly at the 2025 Grammy Awards in February, was absent from the ceremony, fueling speculation among fans who had hoped for a Reputation (Taylor’s Version) announcement. Her absence and losses, particularly in categories like Artist of the Year, were a shock to many, given her historical success at the AMAs.
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Unexpected Wins and Veteran Honors
Other surprises included Beyoncé’s win for Best Country Album, a category where she had faced snubs at the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards earlier in her career. The victory was a long-awaited acknowledgment of her contributions to the genre.
Meanwhile, in the Latin categories, Bad Bunny and Shakita took home Favorite Latin Album and Favorite Latin Song, respectively, as expected, but Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda’s win for Favorite Latin Duo or Group over more mainstream acts was a head-scratcher for some.
The night also celebrated music legends. Janet Jackson received the ICON Award and performed on live television for the first time in seven years, a moment that brought the audience to its feet.
Rod Stewart, at 80 years old, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by five of his children—Kimberly, Ruby, Renee, Sean, and Liam—who revealed their affectionate nickname for him during a touching tribute. Stewart’s performance was a highlight, proving his enduring stage presence.
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Rising Stars and Red Carpet Moments
Among the newer artists, Gracie Abrams’ win for a category over Chappell Roan was unexpected, especially since Roan was the only New Artist of the Year nominee also competing for Artist of the Year.
Abrams, a 2024 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist, edged out Roan, who had won the Grammy in that category earlier this year. SZA also had a standout moment, accepting the Favorite R&B Song award for “Saturn” from presenter Tiffany Haddish.
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Performances and Drama
Jennifer Lopez, hosting for the second time since 2015, opened the show with a dance medley featuring hits of the year, including a slowed-down version of her own “Dance Again.”
Her performance included a steamy moment where she kissed several backup dancers, sparking headlines and mixed reactions from fans. Other performers included Benson Boone, Reneé Rapp, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Gloria Estefan, each bringing their unique flair to the stage.
However, some fans noted the absence of Kendrick Lamar, who led nominations with 10 nods but did not attend, despite winning several awards.
Fashion and More
The red carpet was a spectacle of its own, with stars like Heidi Montag debuting a new hairstyle alongside husband Spencer Pratt, and Lopez pulling off eight outfit changes throughout the night.
Celebrities like SZA, Shaboozey, Kehlani, and Ciara also turned heads with their bold fashion choices, while Lopez’s hosting looks ranged from daring to elegant, keeping the audience captivated.
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Fan Reactions and What’s Next
The 2025 AMAs left fans divided. While many celebrated Billie Eilish’s sweep and the recognition of veterans like Jackson and Stewart, others felt the snubs—particularly Swift’s—were unfair, given her massive cultural impact.
Posts on X reflected this sentiment, with some users calling Swift’s shutout a sign that the industry was “sick of her,” while others praised the AMAs for spotlighting a diverse range of talent.
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As the music world looks ahead, the surprises of the 2025 AMAs will undoubtedly fuel debates until next year’s show, with Lopez announcing a Las Vegas residency, “Up All Night Live In Las Vegas,” set to begin later this year—a fitting cap to a night of unforgettable moments.
