Snubs & Surprises at the 2025 American Music Awards
Taylor Swift shut out for the first time since 2007 as Billie Eilish sweeps all categories.
The 2025 American Music Awards were full of glitz, glamour, and plenty of unexpected moments. Held at the lavish Fontainebleau Las Vegas and broadcast for the first time on CBS, the ceremony marked a new chapter for the AMAs—its first regular show in over two years and the first time it’s been held outside of Los Angeles. But despite the return of one of music’s biggest nights, it was the twists and turns in the winner’s circle that had fans buzzing.
Surprise: Billie Eilish Sweeps the Night
One of the night’s biggest surprises came courtesy of Billie Eilish, who won in all seven categories she was nominated for—including the coveted Artist of the Year award. The clean sweep was a career-best moment for Eilish, whose previous AMA wins include New Artist of the Year in 2019. With this achievement, she joins the ranks of Carrie Underwood and Ariana Grande as one of the few to win both New Artist and Artist of the Year.
Her triumph over Taylor Swift—who has won Artist of the Year a record seven times—was particularly shocking, especially considering Swift’s dominance in the category from 2009 to 2022.
Snub: Taylor Swift
Despite entering the night with six nominations, Taylor Swift went home empty-handed. It marked her first AMA shutout since 2007, when she was a new face on the scene. Losing to Eilish in five of those categories, including Artist of the Year and Favorite Pop Album, was unexpected for fans of the record-breaking star, especially after the monumental success of The Tortured Poets Department.
Swift wasn’t alone in disappointment—Sabrina Carpenter and breakout stars Chappell Roan and Shaboozey were also snubbed despite earning six or more nods each.
Surprise: Gracie Abrams Wins New Artist of the Year
In a category stacked with high-profile nominees like Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims, Gracie Abrams pulled off one of the night’s biggest surprises by winning New Artist of the Year. With just two total nominations, Abrams was seen as an underdog, especially up against Roan, who not only had seven nominations but also competed for Artist of the Year.
Abrams’ win signals continued momentum following her 2024 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Snub: Kendrick Lamar
Despite leading all nominees with 10 total nods, Kendrick Lamar walked away with just one win—for Favorite Hip-Hop Song with “Not Like Us.” He lost Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Hip-Hop Album to Eminem, and his massive hit “Luther” (with SZA) fell short in Collaboration of the Year, losing to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile.”
Surprises: Veterans Steal the Spotlight
Several categories saw surprise wins from longtime fan favorites. Eminem topped Lamar in both major hip-hop categories, Lady Gaga beat out Charli XCX for Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist, and Twenty One Pilots took home Favorite Rock Artist over rising stars like Hozier and Zach Bryan.
Surprise: ‘Wicked’ Loses Favorite Soundtrack
While Wicked: The Soundtrack seemed like a sure thing—especially with Ariana Grande, a top-tier nominee, attached to the project—it ultimately lost Favorite Soundtrack to Arcane: League of Legends, Season 2. It’s only the second time in AMA history a TV show soundtrack has won the category, following Glee: The Music, Volume 3 in 2010.
Snub: Fuerza Regida
Fuerza Regida had more nominations than any other group this year—three in total—yet failed to win a single award. While their losses to heavyweights like Bad Bunny and Shakira were understandable, fans were surprised when they lost Favorite Latin Duo or Group to Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda.