One of the most significant insights from the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards is that young audiences resonate with many of the same musical artists that appeal to a broader demographic. Sabrina Carpenter clinched the award for favorite album with her hit album Short n’ Sweet, mirroring her earlier victory at the Grammy Awards for best pop vocal album. The awards also recognized SZA and Bruno Mars as favorite female and male artists, respectively. Additionally, Carpenter and Benson Boone triumphed as favorite breakout artists. This lineup of winners illustrates a strong overlap in popular music trends across different audiences.
The dynamic duo of Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home the award for favorite music collaboration with their chart-topping single “luther,” which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 13 weeks. This collaboration is also a strong contender for the Grammy Award for record of the year in the upcoming ceremony. Interestingly, the song pays homage to the legendary Luther Vandross, who passed away in 2005, long before the majority of today’s Kids’ Choice Awards viewers were even born, illustrating the enduring legacy of classic artists.
The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked set a new benchmark as the highest-grossing film derived from a musical, securing the title of favorite movie. Ariana Grande earned the accolade for favorite movie actress for her role as Glinda in this cinematic sensation, while she also won favorite song from a movie as a featured artist on Cynthia Erivo’s powerful track, “Defying Gravity.” This recognition highlights the strong connection between music and film, particularly within the realm of musicals.
Among the other notable music winners at the event were Stray Kids, who secured the title of favorite music group, Tyla, named favorite global music star, and the collaboration between Selena Gomez and benny blanco, who won for favorite viral song with their catchy hit “Bluest Flame.” These awards reflect the diverse range of musical talent that resonates with the younger audience, showcasing both established and emerging artists in the industry.
While the iconic slime element remains a primary attraction of the Kids’ Choice Awards, many of the winners took the opportunity during their acceptance speeches to share inspiring and meaningful messages with their young fans. This blend of entertainment and empowerment reinforces the positive influence these artists can have on their audience, encouraging them to aspire to greatness and stay true to themselves.
Here are five unforgettable highlights from the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards that truly stood out among the excitement and festivities.
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Rihanna and benny blanco Share Empowering Messages with Young Audiences
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Nickelodeon Rihanna graciously accepted the prestigious Icon Award via video message, sharing an uplifting message aimed at her young supporters. She emphasized, “I just want to take this moment to remind all of you that wherever you are right now is significant and crucial to where you are about to go. Own your space in this world and know that you are chosen for greatness.” Her words resonate deeply with young individuals, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys and strive for success.
Similarly, benny blanco, who accepted the award for favorite viral song for his collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Bluest Flame,” conveyed a message of perseverance and ambition. Dressed in an Aerosmith T-shirt, he passionately declared, “I’ve always wanted one of these since I was a kid and I just want to tell you guys ‘Dream anything you can, as big as you can because … you guys can do anything you want.’” This sentiment encourages the youth to dream big and chase their aspirations without limits.
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Sabrina Carpenter Commits to Creating Family-Friendly Music
Sabrina Carpenter celebrated a remarkable achievement by winning three awards, including favorite album for Short n’ Sweet, favorite female breakout artist, and favorite song for her catchy hit “Taste.”
Expressing her gratitude, she shared, “I’ve always wanted one of these ever since I was a little girl. This is so special to me. I just can’t thank each and every one of you enough for voting. I will continue to make these clean versions of these songs for you, and I’m so grateful that you’re listening.” Her commitment to producing family-friendly music demonstrates her dedication to her young audience, ensuring they can enjoy her work without concerns.
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Auli’i Caravalho Delivers a Powerful Statement on Inclusivity
Auli’i Caravalho accepted the award for favorite female animated voice for her role in Moana 2, concluding her speech with a poignant reminder of our responsibilities. She stated, “Our first film taught us the importance of righting the imbalance between man and nature and the second film tells us how important it is to welcome people from faraway shores.” Her remarks, which resonate in today’s world, highlight the significance of inclusivity and environmental awareness, marking a shift towards more socially conscious themes in children’s media.
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Jack Black Brings Humor and Humor to the Stage
At the end of his acceptance speech for the King of Comedy Award, Jack Black humorously remarked, “Are you kidding me? I didn’t see that coming. You got me,” after being drenched in slime. His playful demeanor shone through as he embraced the moment of surprise, remaining a good sport even during a second sliming after receiving his award for favorite movie actor for his role in A Minecraft Movie.
The King of Comedy Award was presented by his Nacho Libre co-stars Ana de la Reguera and Héctor Jiménez, who traveled from Mexico to honor Black. He expressed his gratitude by saying, “Viva Mexico,” a comment that resonates with the current climate of cultural appreciation and awareness, highlighting the importance of unity and celebration of diverse backgrounds.
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mgk and KATSEYE Deliver Electrifying Performances
The event featured two exhilarating musical performances: “cliché” by mgk, promoting his much-anticipated seventh studio album, Lost Americana, and “Gnarly” by KATSEYE, showcasing their upcoming second EP, Beautiful Chaos. Both performances ended with the signature sliming that has become a hallmark of the Kids’ Choice Awards. mgk, dressed in a Lost Americana T-shirt, was introduced by his daughter, Casie Baker, adding a heartwarming touch to his performance. Meanwhile, KATSEYE received an introduction from the energetic Ice Spice, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical experience.
