American Music Awards 2025:A Night of Celebrations and Honors

 

The 51st Annual American Music Awards (AMAs) took place on May 26, 2025, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, marking a significant return after a two-year hiatus. This year's ceremony was notable for its vibrant performances, diverse awardees, and a renewed focus on honoring musical legends.

A Night of Celebrations and Honors

Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who returned to the AMAs stage for the first time since 2015, the event was broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Lopez's dynamic presence set the tone for an evening filled with memorable moments and tributes.

One of the night's most poignant highlights was the presentation of the ICON Award to Janet Jackson. At 59, Jackson delivered a powerful performance featuring her 2001 hits “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You,” marking her first televised performance since 2018. In her acceptance speech, she humbly stated, "I don't consider myself an icon," emphasizing her family's dedication to music over fame. She expressed gratitude to her team, fans, and faith, attributing her success to hard work and support. 

Rod Stewart was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In a heartfelt moment, five of his eight children—Kimberly, Ruby, Renee, Sean, and Liam—appeared on stage to present him with the award, affectionately referring to him as "Papa Stew." 

Performances That Lit Up the Stage

The AMAs 2025 featured a series of electrifying performances that showcased the diversity of the music industry. Jennifer Lopez opened the show with a high-energy medley of 2024 hits, including Chappell Roan's "Hot to Go," Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," and Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." Her performance drew significant attention, especially during Teddy Swims' "Lose Control," when backup dancers alternated kissing her, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media. 

Other standout performances included:

Gwen Stefani, who delivered a medley of her hits, including "Swallow My Tears," "The Sweet Escape," and "Hollaback Girl." 

Gloria Estefan, who energized the audience with "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," "La Vecina (No Sé Na')," and "Conga." 

Blake Shelton, who performed "Stay Country or Die Tryin'," despite experiencing an audio failure during his set, leading to a brief period where viewers watched him perform in silence. 

Reneé Rapp, who captivated the audience with her performance of "Leave Me Alone." 

Lainey Wilson, who performed "Somewhere Over Laredo," showcasing her country roots. 

Celebrating Musical Excellence

The AMAs are renowned for being the world's largest fan-voted music awards show, reflecting the preferences of music enthusiasts globally. This year's awards highlighted both established artists and emerging talents across various genres.

Billie Eilish emerged as the night's biggest winner, securing seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for "Hit Me Hard and Soft," and Song of the Year for "Birds of a Feather." Her achievements underscore her continued influence in the music industry. 

Other notable winners included:

Gracie Abrams, who was named New Artist of the Year. 

SZA, who won Favorite R&B Song for "Saturn." 

Eminem, who was recognized as Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and won Best Hip-Hop Album. 

Beyoncé, who, in a genre crossover, was named Favorite Female Country Artist, highlighting the versatility of her album "Cowboy Carter."

 Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, who won for their collaboration and music video "Die With a Smile." 

Doechii, who won the newly introduced "Social Song of the Year" 

RM of BTS, who was recognized as the favorite in the K-Pop category. 

, who triumphed in the Afrobeats category. 

The soundtrack for "Arcane League of Legends: Season 2," which won in the best soundtrack category. 

Notably, Taylor Swift, despite being nominated in six categories, did not win any awards and was absent from the ceremony. 

A Tribute to Veterans

In a heartfelt segment, the AMAs partnered with the Easy Day Foundation, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit aiding veterans' transition to civilian life. This collaboration aimed to honor the nation's troops, with special in-show moments dedicated to celebrating veterans and raising funds for various national and local organizations.

 Conclusion

The 2025 American Music Awards successfully celebrated the year's musical achievements, blending high-energy performances with heartfelt tributes. With its return to the spotlight, the AMAs reaffirmed its position as a premier event in the music industry, honoring both contemporary hits and legendary contributions.