The world of music is poised for one of its most anticipated nights as the 51st annual American Music Awards (AMAs) prepare to air tonight, May 26, 2025. This landmark event celebrates the year’s most impactful artists and songs, with honorees uniquely selected by the fans themselves.
Originating in 1973, the AMAs have grown to become a significant fixture in the global music calendar, recognized for reflecting popular tastes directly through fan voting across numerous genres. Newsweek reports that this year’s ceremony promises to deliver an evening of excitement, highlighting both established superstars and breakout talents who have captivated audiences over the past year.
Key Details: When and Where to Watch
Music enthusiasts across the United States and beyond can tune in to witness the live ceremony tonight, May 26, 2025. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 8 pm ET, simultaneously airing at 5 pm PT for viewers on the West Coast.
The 51st annual American Music Awards will be broadcast live on CBS, reaching a wide audience via traditional television. In addition to the broadcast, the ceremony will also be available for streaming on Paramount+, offering digital access for subscribers to catch all the action as it unfolds in real-time.
The Nominees: A Diverse Field Vies for Fan-Voted Honors
The heart of the AMAs lies in its nominations, and the 2025 field showcases the diverse sounds and artists that have defined contemporary music. The highly competitive Artist of the Year category features a lineup of industry heavyweights and popular figures who have dominated the charts and cultural conversation.
Vying for the top honor of Artist of the Year are Ariana Grande, known for her powerful vocals and evolving sound; Billie Eilish, the Grammy-winning phenomenon; Chappell Roan, the emerging pop sensation; Kendrick Lamar, the critically acclaimed hip-hop artist; Morgan Wallen, a dominant force in country music; Post Malone, the versatile artist blending genres; Sabrina Carpenter, who has seen massive recent success; SZA, the R&B powerhouse; Taylor Swift, the global pop icon; and Zach Bryan, the chart-topping country-folk artist. This diverse group underscores the broad spectrum of music resonating with fans today.
Beyond the top category, several artists have earned multiple nominations across various fields, reflecting a year of significant output and fan engagement. Leading the tally for the most nominations is Kendrick Lamar with an impressive 10 nods, signaling a major year for the rapper. Close behind, Post Malone secured 8 nominations.
A tie for the third-highest number of nominations sees Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey each receiving 7 nominations, highlighting their significant impact on the music landscape this year. Global superstar Taylor Swift received 6 nominations, continuing her strong presence at the awards. Legendary artist Beyoncé also garnered 3 nominations, adding to her extensive list of accolades.
These nomination counts not only reflect the popularity of these artists but also offer a snapshot of the genres and sounds that have captivated the public throughout the eligibility period.
Jennifer Lopez Returns to Host
Adding star power and familiarity to the evening is the return of global entertainer Jennifer Lopez as the host. This marks her second time helming the American Music Awards ceremony, having previously served as host in 2015. Lopez’s multifaceted career spans music, film, and television, making her a dynamic and engaging choice to guide the audience through the night’s proceedings.
Lopez is no stranger to the AMAs stage, not just as a host but also as an honoree. She has won three American Music Awards during her illustrious career, recognizing her impact and popularity across different musical spheres. Her past wins include categories such as Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Latin Artist, demonstrating her enduring appeal across multiple genres and her connection with the voting public.
The Fan’s Voice: What Sets the AMAs Apart
A defining characteristic of the American Music Awards is its fan-voted nature. Unlike some other major music awards that are determined by industry professionals or critics, the AMAs give the ultimate say to the listeners. This democratic process means the awards directly reflect the artists and songs that have resonated most strongly with the general public.
This fan-driven approach often leads to results that align closely with chart performance and mainstream popularity, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability as fans rally to support their favorite artists. The ceremony becomes a celebration powered by the very audience that consumes the music.
A Night Celebrating Music’s Biggest Stars
As the 51st annual American Music Awards unfold tonight, May 26, 2025, the focus remains squarely on the artists who have connected with fans on a massive scale. From the highly nominated Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone to the competitive Artist of the Year field featuring stars like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Chappell Roan, the evening is set to honor the music that defined the past year.
With Jennifer Lopez returning as host and the broadcast reaching homes via CBS and Paramount+ starting at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT, music lovers worldwide are anticipating a memorable night recognizing the power of popular music and the artists who create it. The outcomes, shaped by the fans, will reveal who truly stood out in 2025.
