Country music’s rising star Jessie Murph turned heads and melted hearts at the 2025 American Music Awards — not just for her bold fashion choices, but for arriving with an unexpected date: a piglet named Wilbur.
Clad in a playful cotton candy-pink top paired with fierce leopard print pants, Murph struck the perfect balance between sweet and sassy. Her makeup was soft and subtle, with her hair pulled back into a relaxed half-ponytail, and her jewelry remained minimal to let Wilbur steal the spotlight.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet, Murph confirmed the adorable companion in her arms was very much real. “It’s a real pig. He’s a little guy. His name’s Wilbur,” she smiled. “I just decided I wanted a pig. I’ve wanted one my whole life. I’ve always wanted a mini pig — and then I found out miniature pigs don’t actually exist.”
Murph was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year, thanks to the viral success of her duet High Road with Texan singer Koe Wetzel. She stood alongside Kassio Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, and Ella Langley in one of the night’s most competitive categories.
Naturally, the internet exploded over her choice of red carpet companion. One fan gushed, “Jessie is so real for bringing a pig as her date — men are trash anyway.” Another added, “Cutest thing ever!”
But not everyone was enchanted. Critics voiced concern over the piglet’s wellbeing, with one viewer commenting, “Not cool. That poor piggy is probably scared to death.”
Regardless of the divided opinions, one thing’s for sure — Jessie Murph made an unforgettable entrance. Hosted by Reba McEntire and held at the Ford Center in Texas, the AMAs 2025 brought plenty of surprises — but none quite like Wilbur.