LAS VEGAS, NV — May 27, 2025
Billie Eilish emerged as the undisputed star of the 51st American Music Awards, held on May 26 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the ceremony marked a triumphant return after a hiatus, broadcasting live on CBS and streaming via Paramount+.
Eilish secured all seven awards for which she was nominated, including the coveted Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her latest release, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
A Night of Unprecedented Triumph
Eilish’s clean sweep underscored her significant impact on the music industry over the past year. Her wins spanned major categories:
- Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year: Hit Me Hard and Soft
- Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather”
- Favorite Touring Artist
- Favorite Female Pop Artist
- Favorite Pop Album: Hit Me Hard and Soft
- Favorite Pop Song: “Birds of a Feather”
Despite her absence due to a European tour, Eilish expressed gratitude through a pre-recorded message, thanking her fans for their unwavering support. The heartfelt video message showed Eilish surrounded by her band and crew backstage, where she acknowledged her deep appreciation for the recognition.
The album Hit Me Hard and Soft has enjoyed both commercial and critical success, topping charts worldwide and resonating with a wide audience through its emotive lyrics and experimental sound. Fans and critics alike have praised Eilish for pushing creative boundaries and evolving her musical identity while staying true to her core artistry.
Other Notable Moments and Winners
The evening featured a diverse range of musical triumphs. Beyoncé made history by winning in the country music category for the first time, taking home awards for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for Cowboy Carter. This milestone highlighted her artistic versatility and growing influence across musical genres.
Megan Thee Stallion claimed her second win for Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist, marking a significant return since her last win in 2021. Her performance at the ceremony electrified the audience, showcasing her dynamic stage presence and lyrical prowess.
Post Malone celebrated a major career milestone with his first country music wins, securing accolades for Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Song for his hit “I Had Some Help,” a collaboration with Morgan Wallen. This genre crossover exemplified the increasing fluidity within the music industry.
Veteran artists were also honored. Janet Jackson received the Icon Award in recognition of her enduring contributions to music and pop culture. Her acceptance speech reflected on decades of trailblazing success and her influence on generations of performers.
Rod Stewart was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. During an emotional tribute, he performed “Forever Young” alongside five of his eight children. The performance was met with a standing ovation, symbolizing both his musical legacy and his enduring connection to fans.
Zac Brown received the inaugural Veterans Voice Award for his advocacy on behalf of military personnel and veterans. The presentation underscored the AMAs’ commitment to recognizing not only musical excellence but also meaningful social contributions.
A Ceremony Marked by Absences
While the event celebrated numerous artists, it was also notable for the absence of several high-profile nominees. Taylor Swift, despite six nominations, did not attend and did not secure any awards. Kendrick Lamar, who led the field with ten nominations, left the night without a single win.
These absences and surprising outcomes added an element of unpredictability to the ceremony and fueled ongoing conversations within the music community.
A Diverse and Inclusive Celebration
The 2025 AMAs highlighted a broad spectrum of musical talent, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry. From Eilish’s genre-defying success to Beyoncé’s foray into country music, the awards showcased artists breaking traditional boundaries and resonating with diverse audiences.
The show featured high-energy performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and a renewed sense of unity within the industry. It served as a testament to music’s enduring power to inspire, connect, and transform.