AMAs Heat Up Las Vegas with JLo, SZA, and Billie Eilish’s Big Wins
LAS VEGAS — From sizzling moments with host and performer Jennifer Lopez to heartfelt honors for some of the music industry’s most iconic names, this year’s American Music Awards served up a diverse musical feast.
The two-hour show, held for the first time at the intimate Fontainebleau Las Vegas theater, featured performances by SZA, Gracie Abrams, Eminem, and artist of the year Billie Eilish—who is currently touring Europe and expressed her gratitude via video message.
Eilish took home all seven of her nominated awards, while Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Post Malone also celebrated victories in their respective categories.
AMAs Showcase New Talent and Legendary Icons, Featuring Gloria Estefan’s Return and Rod Stewart’s Lifetime Honor
The fan-voted event delivered dynamic performances from rising stars like Benson Boone and Alex Warren, alongside legendary acts including Gloria Estefan—marking her first AMAs appearance in 30 years—and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Rod Stewart.
JLo’s Show-Stopping AMAs Opener Proves Age Is Just a Number
When Jennifer Lopez hinted a few days before the AMAs that her opening act would include dancing, she might have been playing it modest.
At 55, her stage presence and moves could easily leave younger performers in awe.
Starting with a few verses from her 2012 hit with Pitbull, “Dance Again,” Lopez delivered a powerful vocal performance in a hall of mirrors. Then, slipping on a VR headset and a sparkling bodysuit, she launched into a high-energy, 23-song, six-minute medley, flawlessly blending her agility with captivating camera work and commanding stares.
JLo Steals the Show with Stunning Moves and Surprise Kisses at the AMAs
Surrounded by a talented dance squad—whom she still effortlessly outshines—Lopez executed backbends, spun with acrobatic finesse, and was lifted high by her dancers during a medley of last year’s hits (“Good Luck, Babe!,” “Birds of a Feather,” “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”).
She likely raised some eyebrows with her sensual choreography during Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” planting passionate kisses on both male and female dancers. But hey, it’s Vegas—why not?
Benson Boone Dazzles with High-Flying Flip and “Mystical Magical” Performance at the AMAs
Benson Boone wowed the crowd again at the 2025 American Music Awards held at BleauLive Theater, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, on May 26.
Dressed sharply in a purple spangled suit, the singer brought his signature flair, launching into one of his trademark flips from the top of the stage down to the floor. He then smoothly made his way over to Heidi Klum and Nikki Glaser while performing his new single, “Mystical Magical.”
Benson Boone Serenades with Strings, Showcases ‘American Heart’ at the AMAs
Backed by a delicate string section, Boone delivered a smooth performance of “Mystical Magical” from his upcoming album American Heart, which he described on the purple carpet as his “most complete body of work.”
Janet Jackson Returns to TV with a Sassy, Sweet Medley After Vegas Residency Debut
Less than 24 hours after kicking off her new Las Vegas residency at Resorts World, Janet Jackson made her first TV appearance in seven years.
Her medley of “Someone to Call My Lover” and “All For You” was a perfect blend of sweetness and sass. Few artists can deliver attitude with a stare quite like Jackson, who effortlessly shifted between fierce expressions and smooth, playful moves as she danced alongside her shirtless performers.
anet Jackson Honored with AMAs Icon Award Following Show-Stopping Performance
Right after her sultry performance, Jackson received the AMAs’ Icon Award—a fitting tribute in Las Vegas, the city where she launched her legendary career 52 years ago.
Janet Jackson Humble in Icon Award Speech: ‘It’s About Hard Work, Love, and Faith’
“No disrespect in any way, but I don’t consider myself an icon,” Jackson said in her trademark gentle tone. “My family, myself, our dream wasn’t ever to be famous. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing, and fame came as a result of hard work and dedication.”
Cradling her award, she expressed hope to inspire others to “follow their dreams and succeed.”
“Because of you and God, I’m standing right here,” she said, closing with a heartfelt reminder: “Keep God in every part of your life because that’s where he wants to be.”
AMAs Pay Tribute to Military Members on Memorial Day
Held on Memorial Day, the AMAs provided a fitting moment to honor and thank American military personnel.
Zac Brown stood alongside rows of veterans invited to the show as he highlighted the work of the Easy Day Foundation, a Las Vegas nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition from military to civilian life.
AMAs Honor Military Members with Heartfelt Tributes and Emotional Moments
“There is much to do for the incredible men and women who do whatever they are asked so we can be free in America,” Zac Brown said as he accepted the Veterans Voice Award on behalf of himself and the Zac Brown Band for their ongoing support of veterans.
Throughout the broadcast, several other poignant tributes echoed. Ciara highlighted military members in the audience, while Dan + Shay paid homage during their acceptance speech for favorite country duo or group. “Without you guys, we wouldn’t get to do what we love,” Shay Mooney said.
Gloria Estefan also gave a spirited shout-out to the troops at the start of her medley. “Shout out to the service members around the world!” she proclaimed before launching into “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” her new song “La Vecina (No Sé Na’),” and the classic “Conga,” with Jennifer Lopez smiling and dancing in the front row alongside Estefan’s husband, Emilio.
Rod Stewart Overwhelmed as Family Surprises Him During Lifetime Achievement Tribute
Rod Stewart, usually unflappable, was visibly moved when his family appeared onstage to introduce a video tribute celebrating his 60-year career during the 51st American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on May 26, 2025.
“I’m flabbergasted. I didn’t know they were here,” Stewart said, gesturing to his family. “I have eight [children]. I didn’t have a TV.”
Rod Stewart’s Lifetime Achievement Speech and Electrifying Finale Steal the AMAs Spotlight
Turning 80 this January, Rod Stewart graciously accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award, paying tribute to his musical influences like Sam Cooke and Muddy Waters.
Yet it was the surprise appearance of his family that moved him most deeply—prompting an unfiltered “f-bomb” to express just how overwhelmed he felt.
“It’s not easy being me,” he joked before bounding across the stage to close the show with a rollicking, bagpipe-accompanied performance of “Forever Young.”
Dressed in black striped pants, a ruffled shirt, and a short white jacket, Stewart exuded timeless cool as he belted out the inspirational anthem. He shredded an imaginary guitar solo and gracefully stepped back to let his female bandmates showcase their fiddle playing and step dancing—truly a gentleman to the very end.
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