LAS VEGAS, NV – The American Music Awards (AMAs) delivered a night of star-studded performances and fan-favorite victories, with Billie Eilish emerging as the undisputed powerhouse of the evening. The ceremony, hosted by Jennifer Lopez live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, saw several surprising upsets and celebrated music legends.

• Eilish Dominates: Billie Eilish swept all seven of her nominations, including Artist of the Year, solidifying her status as a top music force.
• Surprise Wins & Crossovers: Beyoncé made history with her first country AMA wins, while Eminem bested other top rappers in key hip-hop categories, and Rod Stewart received a surprise Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Icons Honored: Jennifer Lopez kicked off the show with an electrifying performance, and Janet Jackson was celebrated with the prestigious ICON Award.

The Reign of Eilish: A Clean Sweep

Billie Eilish dominated the 2025 AMAs, taking home all seven awards for which she was nominated. Her wins included the coveted Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.” Eilish’s commanding performance at the fan-voted awards solidified her as a leading force in today’s music landscape, particularly notable given she edged out strong contenders like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar for top honors.

Shocks and Crossovers: Surprising Victories

The night was not without its unexpected turns. Beyoncé made history by securing her first AMA wins in country categories, claiming Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for “COWBOY CARTER.” This groundbreaking achievement highlights a growing trend of genre fluidity in mainstream music. Similarly, Post Malone also received his first country trophy for Favorite Male Country Artist.

In a highly anticipated hip-hop race, Eminem clinched both Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” notably besting Kendrick Lamar in both categories, despite Lamar leading the night with the most nominations overall. First-time nominee Gracie Abrams also pulled off a surprise win for New Artist of the Year.

Beyond the competitive categories, music legend Sir Rod Stewart was visibly “flabbergasted” as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by his own children.

Unforgettable Moments and Enduring Legacies

Jennifer Lopez kicked off the show with an electrifying medley of 23 nominated hits, setting a high-octane tone. The ceremony also paid a poignant tribute to Janet Jackson, who was honored with the ICON Award, recognizing her profound and lasting cultural impact on the music industry. Jackson delivered a powerful performance, reaffirming her status as a pop icon.

The 2025 AMAs, marking a significant return after a 2024 hiatus, underscored music’s global reach with dedicated awards for K-pop and Afrobeat. The show also notably highlighted military appreciation month, demonstrating a commitment beyond the glitz and glamour. The broadcast, on CBS and Paramount+, saw record-breaking viewership, signaling a strong resurgence for the fan-centric awards show.