The 2025 American Music Awards are shaping up to be one of the most eclectic and exciting yet, as nominations dropped this week with a clear message: music has no boundaries. From rap and country to alt-pop and viral hits, this year’s nominee list celebrates the full spectrum of sound—and the artists pushing those boundaries.
Kendrick Lamar Sets the Bar High
Kendrick Lamar is undeniably the frontrunner this season, racking up 10 nominations including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for his now-iconic diss track “Not Like Us,” and Album of the Year for GNX. His bold and unapologetic artistry continues to shape the conversation—not just in hip-hop, but across the entire industry.
Post Malone’s Country Reinvention Pays Off
Following closely behind is Post Malone, whose genre switch surprised fans and critics alike. With F-1 Trillion, Post dived headfirst into country, earning him eight nominations, many in country-specific categories. It’s a strong signal that crossover success is more than a trend—it’s the new norm.
Women Dominate the Charts—and the Nods
Female artists are having a major moment. Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey each snagged seven nominations. Chappell Roan, in particular, is turning heads, being the only artist nominated in all three of the AMAs’ brand-new categories: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Social Song of the Year. That kind of sweep speaks volumes about her growing cultural influence.
New Categories Reflect a Changing Industry
For the first time ever, the AMAs introduced Album of the Year and Social Song of the Year, showing a deeper recognition of both traditional excellence and the viral magic of today’s music landscape. It’s a nod to the platforms—like TikTok and Instagram—where many of today’s hits are born.
Jennifer Lopez to Host Live from Vegas
Mark your calendars: the 2025 American Music Awards will broadcast live from Las Vegas on May 26. Hosted by global superstar Jennifer Lopez, the show will air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+. Fan voting is open now and will remain live until May 15, with a few categories staying open during the first 30 minutes of the show.
From chart-topping veterans to the stars of tomorrow, this year’s AMAs are set to be a celebration of music’s evolution—and its future.
