The 2025 American Music Awards showcased many unexpected moments that captivated audiences and attendees alike. Billie Eilish emerged as the standout of the evening, clinching victory in all seven categories for which she was nominated, including the coveted Artist of the Year. This award had previously been a stronghold for Taylor Swift, who had won it seven times from 2009 to 2022. The 51st edition of the AMAs took place on Monday, May 26, at the opulent Fontainebleau Las Vegas, featuring a dynamic two-hour ceremony hosted by the talented Jennifer Lopez that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

It’s noteworthy that Billie Eilish, who won the New Artist of the Year award six years prior, has now joined an elite group of artists. She is only the third winner of the AMA New Artist accolade to ascend to the Artist of the Year honor, following in the footsteps of Carrie Underwood and Ariana Grande. Underwood secured the new artist title in 2006 and claimed the top artist award the following year. Similarly, Grande took home the new artist award in 2013 and won the top artist recognition in 2016. This pattern underscores the potential for emerging artists to evolve into major forces in the music industry.

The 2025 American Music Awards marked a significant return, being the first standard broadcast in over two and a half years. This event was also noteworthy for being the inaugural ceremony aired on CBS after decades of airing on ABC from 1974 to 2022. Moreover, it was the first time the ceremony was conducted outside the traditional Los Angeles area, adding a fresh perspective to the familiar awards show format.

The results of the evening were not without their anticipated outcomes. Dan + Shay claimed the title of Favorite Country Group for the fifth consecutive year, solidifying their status in the genre. Additionally, Bad Bunny and Becky G continued their impressive winning streaks in the Latin categories, further establishing their dominance in the music scene. SZA also had a remarkable night, winning a pair of awards: Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for her hit track “Saturn”. Furthermore, Tyla was recognized as the Favorite Afrobeats Artist, highlighting the genre’s rising popularity and influence in contemporary music.

However, as with any major awards show, the American Music Awards were not without their share of surprises and snubs, leaving fans buzzing with speculation and discussion. The unexpected outcomes often highlight the competitive nature of the industry and the subjective tastes of voters. This year’s AMAs certainly provided plenty of talking points for fans and critics alike to dissect and analyze.

Produced by Dick Clark Productions, the American Music Awards are a prestigious event owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a dynamic partnership formed between Eldridge Industries and the parent company of Billboard, Penske Media. This collaboration ensures that the AMAs remain a significant highlight in the annual music awards calendar.