By Darren Shields
Date: May 28, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
The 51st Annual American Music Awards lit up Las Vegas on May 26, 2025, turning the spotlight on a night filled with electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and history-making wins. Held at the BleuLive Theater at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and hosted by the ever-charismatic Jennifer Lopez, the evening celebrated the best in American music across multiple genres.
In a commanding sweep, Billie Eilish emerged as the biggest winner of the night, collecting all seven awards for which she was nominated. Among her accolades were Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song of the Year for her hit single “Birds of a Feather.” Despite being on tour in Europe, Eilish accepted her awards through a series of heartfelt pre-recorded messages, thanking her fans and collaborators for their continued support.
Eilish’s dominance was particularly noteworthy given that Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with ten. While Lamar did take home a few honors, it was Eilish’s night to shine. Her achievements mark a continued rise in her artistic evolution and further cement her status as one of the most influential voices in modern pop music.
The evening was not solely about current chart-toppers. In a heartfelt segment, Janet Jackson was honored with the prestigious Icon Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the music industry. Jackson’s return to the AMAs stage after a seven-year hiatus was met with roaring applause. She delivered a moving performance of “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All for You,” which brought the audience to their feet. During her acceptance speech, Jackson humbly remarked, “I don’t consider myself an icon,” reflecting on her decades of dedication and hard work.
Another poignant moment came with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to rock legend Rod Stewart. With a career spanning over five decades, Stewart performed a medley of his classic hits, showing that his charisma and vocal prowess remain undiminished. His tribute was met with admiration from fans and fellow artists alike.
The AMAs also introduced a new honor this year: the Veterans Voice Award. This inaugural recognition was awarded to country artist Zac Brown for his outstanding contributions to veteran-related causes. Known for his philanthropy and support of military families, Brown took the stage to express his gratitude and shine a light on the importance of supporting veterans’ well-being.
The star-studded event featured an array of performances that showcased the diversity and richness of the American music scene. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani took the stage with a duet that delighted fans, while Gloria Estefan brought Latin flair with a vibrant performance. However, not all moments went off without controversy. Both Shelton and Stefani faced criticism for delivering pre-recorded performances at what was billed as a live event, a decision that sparked debate among viewers.
The full list of winners included:
- Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
- Album of the Year: Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
- Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- Favorite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish
- Favorite Pop Album: Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
- Favorite Pop Song: “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- Favorite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish
- Icon Award: Janet Jackson
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rod Stewart
- Veterans Voice Award: Zac Brown
As the curtains closed on the 2025 American Music Awards, fans were left with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the power of music to inspire, unite, and entertain. The night not only celebrated musical excellence but also paid tribute to the artists and causes that continue to shape the cultural landscape.
