Get ready for a star-studded night at the 2025 American Music Awards, returning for its 51st edition with major performances and a meaningful new theme. This year’s ceremony will be held at the luxurious Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Memorial Day, promising a blend of music, entertainment, and heartfelt tributes.
A major highlight of the evening will be the return of Jennifer Lopez, who is set to host the AMAs for the first time in a decade. Her comeback to the AMA stage is already generating excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
To honor Memorial Day, the AMAs are teaming up with the Easy Day Foundation, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit that supports veterans transitioning to civilian life. Together, they will present special in-show moments dedicated to celebrating veterans and raising funds for both national and local veteran-focused organizations.
The program will feature two special musical performances, along with the presentation of a unique award recognizing a prominent figure who has used their platform to make meaningful contributions to the veteran community.
With a powerful combination of music, cause-driven recognition, and top-tier talent, the 2025 AMAs are shaping up to be one of the most memorable nights in music this year.
How to watch the 2025 American Music Awards
Fans can catch the 2025 American Music Awards live on Monday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasting from Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The event will air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.
In addition, viewers can livestream the show on Harmony, Penske Media’s exclusive streaming platform. Harmony will be accessible through several of Penske’s owned and operated websites, including Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, WWD, Deadline, Vibe, IndieWire, and Gold Derby, among others.
Who will be presenting at the 2025 American Music Awards
The 2025 American Music Awards will feature a star-studded lineup of presenters taking the stage on Monday night. Celebrities set to present include Alix Earle, Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Dan + Shay, Dylan Efron, Heidi Klum, Jordan Chiles, Kai Cenat, Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Moroney, Nikki Glaser, Shaboozey, Tiffany Haddish, and Wayne Brady. Each will play a role in announcing the winners and handing out the evening’s most coveted awards.
Who is hosting the 2025 American Music Awards?
A decade after her memorable turn as host of the 2015 American Music Awards, Jennifer Lopez is officially making her return to the AMAs stage as this year’s master of ceremonies.
Confirming the news, Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, praised Lopez’s dynamic appeal, stating, “Jennifer’s incredible talent and unmatched stage presence make her the perfect choice to lead this year’s show. We’re confident she’ll bring her signature energy and charisma to what promises to be the ultimate kickoff to summer.”
Now 55, Lopez previously hinted at a potential return in a pre-recorded interview aired during the 50th AMAs in 2024. Reflecting on the show’s history and her own long-standing connection to the event, she recalled, “It’s pretty incredible—fifty years of the American Music Awards. I remember watching them at home when I was a little girl.” Lopez made her debut performance at the AMAs in 2001 and has since delivered over ten standout performances on its stage.
Playfully teasing the idea of hosting again, she said at the time, “Maybe I’ll do it again one day. Who knows?” Now, that day has arrived—setting the stage for a nostalgic yet electrifying night led by one of entertainment’s most iconic performers.
Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations for the 2025 American Music Awards with an impressive 10 nods, marking a standout year for the acclaimed rapper. His nominations span several top categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Favorite Music Video, underscoring his continued influence and dominance in the music industry.
Close behind is Post Malone, who earned eight nominations, followed by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey, each receiving seven nods for their contributions over the past year.
This year also welcomes a fresh wave of talent, as a number of rising artists celebrate their first AMA nominations. Among the first-time nominees are Benson Boone, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Lola Young, The Marías, ROSÉ, Teddy Swims, Tommy Richman, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter, and Zach Bryan—highlighting a diverse and dynamic group of emerging voices in music.
Who is winning the ICON Award at the 2025 American Music Awards?
At this year’s American Music Awards, Janet Jackson will be honored with the prestigious ICON Award—an accolade reserved for artists whose music has left a lasting cultural and global impact on the industry. Jackson joins the ranks of past recipients like Lionel Richie and Rihanna, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in music and entertainment.
Ahead of the ceremony, the official AMAs Instagram page praised Jackson as “one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era,” recognizing her decades-long contribution to pop culture, performance, and innovation in music.
In response to the announcement, the 59-year-old legend expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much, AMAs!! ♥️ It’s an honor. We look forward to being on your stage again. See you in Vegas! 😘” Her return to the AMAs stage is highly anticipated and promises to be one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Who is winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 American Music Awards?
This year, Rod Stewart will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his remarkable and enduring music career that has spanned several decades.
Executive producers Barry Adelman, EVP of Television, and Alexi Mazareas, SVP of Programming & Development at Dick Clark Productions, praised Stewart, calling him “a master showman whose charisma and energy have defied time and embody the very spirit of rock and roll.”
At 80 years old, Stewart continues to captivate audiences with his iconic voice and electrifying stage presence, making this award a fitting tribute to his lasting influence on the music world.
Who is performing at the 2025 American Music Awards?
The lineup of performances at this year’s American Music Awards is just as impressive as the list of nominees, featuring a wide range of talented artists ready to deliver memorable moments on stage.
Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp will all be showcasing their talents through various performances.
Veteran artists Gloria Estefan, 67, and Gwen Stefani, 55, will treat audiences to career-spanning medleys, celebrating the highlights of their impressive musical journeys. On the other hand, rising stars Benson Boone, 22, and Reneé Rapp, 25, are expected to debut fresh new music, bringing exciting new sounds to the stage.
Lainey Wilson, 33, will perform following her recent Whirlwind Tour, while Blake Shelton, 48, will be promoting his latest album, For Recreational Use Only, adding a fresh spotlight to his evolving career.
In addition to these performances, Becky G and Manuel Turizo will debut their new single, “Que Haces,” adding a vibrant touch of Latin flair to the evening. Plus, Alex Warren will make his award show performance debut in Las Vegas, marking an important milestone in his career.
Janet Jackson, who will be honored with the ICON Award that night, will also grace the stage with her first televised performance since 2018, promising a special moment for fans and viewers alike.
Rod Stewart, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, will also perform one of his timeless classics. This will be his first appearance on the awards show stage since 2004, making it a memorable return for the legendary rock and roll icon.
