The 2025 American Music Awards will be hosted by Jennifer Lopez in Las Vegas with Kendrick Lamar leading nominations and special tributes for Janet Jackson and Rod Stewart.
The stage is set for one of music’s biggest nights as the 2025 American Music Awards get ready to light up Las Vegas. Returning for its 51st edition, this year’s star-studded celebration will be hosted by none other than Jennifer Lopez, marking a decade since she last helmed the show in 2015.
Broadcast live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET, the AMAs will stream on CBS, Paramount+, and Harmony—Penske Media’s streaming platform. This year’s event also coincides with Memorial Day, adding a heartfelt layer to the celebration. In partnership with the Easy Day Foundation, the AMAs will feature in-show tributes honoring Veterans and raising funds for related causes. Country star Zac Brown will be the first-ever recipient of the Veterans Voice Award, presented for his unwavering support of the veteran community.
As host, Jennifer Lopez, 55, promises to bring her signature energy and presence. “Jennifer’s incredible talent and incomparable stage presence make her the ideal host of the show,” said Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions. Jennifer Lopez, who first performed at the AMAs in 2001 and has graced the stage over ten times since, teased her return during a 2024 interview, hinting at a possible comeback that’s now a reality.
Leading this year’s nominations is Kendrick Lamar with a whopping 10 nods, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Favorite Music Video. Hot on his heels are Post Malone with eight nominations, and Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey, each with seven.
The awards will also spotlight music legends. Janet Jackson is set to receive the prestigious ICON Award for her profound cultural and global influence in music. “It’s an honor. We look forward to being on your stage again. See you in Vegas!” Janet Jackson shared ahead of her first televised performance since 2018.
Meanwhile, rock legend Rod Stewart will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. At 80, Rod Stewart is being recognized for his enduring charisma and showmanship. He’ll perform one of his timeless classics—his first AMA performance since 2004.
The night will be packed with unforgettable performances. Expect show-stopping sets from Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp. Gloria Estefan and Gwen Stefani will deliver medleys spanning their careers, while Benson Boone and Reneé Rapp are set to debut new tracks. Becky G and Manuel Turizo will perform their new single, “Que Haces”, and Alex Warren will make his awards show performance debut.
Presenters bringing the star power to the podium 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.
With an unbeatable mix of nostalgia, fresh talent, and emotional tributes, the 2025 AMAs are shaping up to be a night of music magic not to be missed.
