The 2025 American Music Awards, held on Memorial Day, proved to be a night of unforgettable wins, powerful performances, and historic firsts. Among the biggest stories of the evening was Billie Eilish’s sweeping victory, claiming all seven awards she was nominated for, including the top honors of Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Although Eilish was not present to receive her awards in person due to her ongoing tour, her presence was deeply felt throughout the ceremony.
Beyoncé made her own mark on the night by securing her first ever wins in the country music category. She took home the awards for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” underscoring her successful crossover into the genre. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar won Favorite Hip-Hop Song for “Not Like Us,” and SZA took home two awards: Favorite R&B Song and Favorite Female R&B Artist.
The event was hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who opened the show with a dynamic dance number that blended tracks from various artists, including Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Shaboozey, and Chappell Roan. The high-energy introduction set the tone for a vibrant evening of music celebration.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came when Janet Jackson was honored with the 2025 Icon Award. Jackson made her return to television with her first performance in seven years, delighting fans with renditions of classics such as “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You.” In an emotional acceptance speech, she reflected on her journey and legacy. “My family (and) myself, our dream wasn’t ever to be famous. We weren’t raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing and singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication,” she said. “My story, my family’s story, it’s truly an American story. This would’ve only happened in America.”
Sir Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award and concluded the evening with a heartfelt performance of “Forever Young,” reinforcing his enduring influence on the music world. Other artists who took the stage during the broadcast included Blake Shelton, Benson Boone, Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, Gwen Stefani, and Reneé Rapp.
In keeping with the significance of Memorial Day, the AMAs partnered with the Easy Day Foundation, an organization that supports military veterans transitioning to civilian life. The ceremony paid tribute to veterans in the audience, with special mentions by Zac Brown and Ciara highlighting their contributions and presence during the event.
This year’s awards saw an expansive list of nominees and winners across a wide range of genres. Gracie Abrams was named New Artist of the Year, while “Hit Me Hard and Soft” by Billie Eilish won Album of the Year. Eilish’s hit “Birds of a Feather” secured Song of the Year and also took the award for Favorite Pop Song. Additionally, Eilish was recognized as Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album winner, and Favorite Touring Artist.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars were also notable winners, clinching Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Music Video for “Die With A Smile.” Doechii’s track “Anxiety” won Social Song of the Year, and Eminem secured wins for both Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album with “The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).”
The Weeknd won Favorite Male R&B Artist, and his album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” earned Favorite R&B Album. SZA’s “Saturn” was named Favorite R&B Song. Post Malone, recognized for his growing influence in country music, won Favorite Male Country Artist and also shared a win for Favorite Country Song alongside Morgan Wallen for “I Had Some Help.”
Among other notable victories, Dan + Shay won Favorite Country Duo or Group, while Twenty One Pilots were honored as Favorite Rock Artist and won Favorite Rock Album for “Clancy.” Linkin Park took the award for Favorite Rock Song with “The Emptiness Machine.”
In the Latin categories, Bad Bunny once again made a strong showing, winning Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Album for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.” Becky G won Favorite Female Latin Artist, while Shakira’s “Soltera” was named Favorite Latin Song. Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda received recognition as Favorite Latin Duo or Group.
Afrobeats and K-Pop categories also saw celebrated wins. Tyla won Favorite Afrobeats Artist, and RM of BTS fame secured the Favorite K-Pop Artist title, continuing the genre’s international prominence. Lady Gaga added another win to her list by being named Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist. In the soundtrack category, “Arcane League of Legends: Season 2” took the win for Favorite Soundtrack.
The evening’s blend of star-studded performances, moving tributes, and a broad showcase of music genres underscored the American Music Awards’ continued relevance and cultural impact. Billie Eilish’s dominant performance at the awards reinforced her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation. Beyoncé’s recognition in the country genre highlighted the genre’s growing inclusivity, while Janet Jackson’s return served as a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy of iconic performers.
“My story, my family’s story, it’s truly an American story,” Jackson said, summing up a night that celebrated music’s ability to cross boundaries, genres, and generations.
In all, the 2025 AMAs succeeded in honoring both emerging and legendary talents while using the platform to pay tribute to American heroes, making it one of the most memorable ceremonies in recent years.