Overview of the 2025 AMAs Celebration

This year’s American Music Awards brought together a lineup of powerhouse performances and heartfelt tributes, all hosted by the fabulous Jennifer Lopez at the iconic Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. The ceremony on May 26 showcased a blend of industry legends and emerging artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and nostalgia.

The night was a tribute to musical excellence, as Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award while Janet Jackson was honored with the prestigious ICON Award. Both artists delivered jaw-dropping performances, reminding the audience of their profound impact on the music landscape. Their emotional moments resonated deeply, making it a night to remember.

With a star-studded lineup, performers like Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and newcomer Benson Boone lit up the stage. Gwen’s nostalgic medley thrilled fans, while Benson brought his viral hit “Mystical Magical” to life, complete with his signature flip. Each act contributed to an electric energy that kept the audience on their feet all night.

The red carpet showcased bold fashion statements from stars like Ciara, Machine Gun Kelly, and Megan Moroney. From glamorous gowns to eye-catching suits, the memorable looks added another layer of excitement to the evening. The AMAs proved once again to be a celebration of not just music, but style and personality in the entertainment industry.

Key Performances and Highlights from the Night

Kicking off the 2025 AMAs, Jennifer Lopez dazzled the audience with a high-energy performance. She delivered a vibrant medley of this year’s top hits, effortlessly blending her own track "Dance Again" with chart-toppers from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish. The spunky choreography got everyone buzzing with excitement.

Janet Jackson graced the stage with a powerful medley, starting with "Someone to Call My Lover," celebrating her legacy in music. Joined by a crew of dynamic dancers, she captivated the audience with her signature moves. Her humility shone through in a heartfelt acceptance speech for the ICON Award, making it a night to remember.

Gwen Stefani took the audience on a musical journey through her hits. Opening with "Swallow My Tears," she then reignited nostalgia with classics like "The Sweet Escape" and "Hollaback Girl." Her infectious energy had fans singing along, solidifying her status as a live performance powerhouse.

In a heartwarming moment, Rod Stewart accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award, with a surprise appearance from five of his eight children. The proud father affectionately known as "Papa Stew" entertained the crowd with a melodic performance of "Forever Young," showcasing his enduring legacy in the music industry.

Awards Presented and Notable Winners

The 2025 American Music Awards had a star-studded line-up of presenters, including Alix Earle, Ciara, and Tiffany Haddish. They handed out prestigious awards to some of the biggest names in music. Among the highlights was Kendrick Lamar, who received multiple nominations, solidifying his status in the industry.

This year’s winners list was impressive, featuring SZA, Eminem, and Billie Eilish among the honored. Each artist added another trophy to their impressive collections, showcasing the evolving landscape of American music. The excitement in the crowd was palpable as fans cheered for their favorites.

Janet Jackson was bestowed with the coveted ICON Award, celebrating her remarkable career and contribution to music. Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award, with his kids surprising him onstage to present it. Their heartfelt tribute showcased the loving bond they share.

Zac Brown received the inaugural Veterans Voice Award, honoring his commitment to veterans' causes through his music. The award, presented by the Easy Day Foundation, highlights the importance of supporting those who have served. This recognition emphasizes the blend of music and social responsibility at the AMAs.

Memorable Moments and Fun Facts from the Ceremony

The 2025 American Music Awards were laced with unforgettable moments, most notably Rod Stewart’s surprise appearance by five of his children. As they presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Stewart, affectionately dubbed “Papa Stew” by his kids, was visibly moved when they revealed the sweet nickname in their touching speech.

Janet Jackson commanded the stage with a powerful medley that included "Someone to Call My Lover." With a nod to her recent viral resurgence, she mesmerized the audience and humbly reminded everyone of her dedication and love for music during her heartfelt acceptance speech for the ICON Award.

In a lighthearted moment, Heidi Klum embraced her unexpected hip-hop credentials while presenting the award for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist. With a cheeky nod to her collaboration with Snoop Dogg, she joked about being the "most unexpected hip-hop artist to ever come out of Germany." The crowd roared with laughter when she handed the statuette to Eminem.

Nikki Glaser brought humor to the night, expressing her desire to play Jennifer Lopez's mom in a future movie. Her playful warning to the nominees about aging and industry expectations had the audience in stitches, perfectly illustrating the night’s blend of glamour and laughter. As always, the AMAs proved to be a vibrant celebration of music and talent!