AMAs 2025: Billie Eilish Steals Show, Janet Jackson Shines

Buckle up, pop culture junkies, because the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) just dropped a glitter bomb of music, drama, and iconic moments that have fans buzzing like never before! Airing live on May 26, 2025, on CBS and Paramount+, the AMAs celebrated the year’s hottest artists, with Billie Eilish sweeping the night and Janet Jackson cementing her legend status. From jaw-dropping performances to red-carpet glam, we’ve got the full scoop on what went down, backed by Billboard, Variety, and verified X posts. Let’s dive into the sparkle and spill of music’s biggest night!

Billie Eilish’s Epic Sweep: Seven Wins and Counting

Billie Eilish didn’t just show up to the AMAs—she owned it. The 23-year-old superstar snagged seven awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her chart-topping HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. According to Variety, Billie’s album racked up over 3.5 billion streams on Spotify alone in 2025, making it one of the year’s most-played records. Her moody, genre-bending sound resonated with fans, and her AMAs haul proves she’s a force. On X, fans went wild, with @BillieFan4Life posting, “Billie sweeping SEVEN categories?! Queen behavior! #AMAs”.

Billie’s wins weren’t just about numbers—they were a cultural moment. Her acceptance speeches, dripping with her signature authenticity, had the audience at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles cheering. She thanked her fans for “getting” her art, and the internet exploded with love. One verified fan account, @EilishUpdates, shared, “Billie’s speech about mental health hit so hard. She’s real. #AMAs2025.” The stats back it up: her album’s lead single, “Lunch,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks straight in 2025. Billie’s not just winning awards—she’s shaping the sound of a generation.

Janet Jackson’s ICON Award: A Legend’s Moment

If Billie was the night’s queen, Janet Jackson was its empress. The AMAs honored the 59-year-old icon with the prestigious AMA Icon Award for her decades-long influence on music and culture. CBS Mornings broke the news early, announcing Janet’s performance and award, which had fans hyped for weeks. Her medley of hits like “Rhythm Nation” and “All for You” brought the house down, with Billboard reporting that her performance trended No. 1 on X within minutes.

Janet’s impact is undeniable: her 1989 album Rhythm Nation 1814 sold over 12 million copies worldwide, and her influence on pop, R&B, and dance is still felt today. On the red carpet, she sparkled in a custom silver gown, and fans on X couldn’t stop raving. @JanetStanClub posted, “Janet Jackson is TIMELESS. That performance? Iconic. #AMAs2025.” Her speech, reflecting on her 40-year career, was a tearjerker, emphasizing unity and resilience. The AMAs stage was her throne, and she reminded everyone why she’s a living legend.

Gwen Stefani’s Nostalgic Medley: 20 Years of Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

Gwen Stefani turned back time with a special medley celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The AMAs announced her performance on X, sending fans into a frenzy with promises of “Hollaback Girl” and “Rich Girl”. Gwen delivered, rocking a modernized version of her iconic Harajuku-inspired look. Billboard noted that the album, originally released in 2004, has sold over 7 million copies globally and still streams strong, with “Hollaback Girl” clocking 1.2 million streams weekly on Spotify in 2025.

Fans on X were living for it. @GwenFanatic wrote, “Gwen’s energy at 55 is unreal! That medley was EVERYTHING. #AMAs2025.” Her performance was a love letter to early-2000s pop, and the crowd sang along to every word. Gwen’s ability to blend nostalgia with fresh vibes proved she’s still got it, and her AMAs moment was a highlight that had everyone talking.

ROSÉ’s Red-Carpet Glow and Fan Voting Frenzy

K-pop sensation ROSÉ from BLACKPINK made waves at the AMAs, with her attendance confirmed by fan accounts like @HankChinaBar on X. While she didn’t perform, her red-carpet look—a sleek, metallic gown—stole the spotlight. Fans flooded X with voting calls, pushing for her to win Favorite Pop Star, with posts like, “No excuse now, keep voting for ROSÉ! #AMAs.” Her solo track “APT.” with Bruno Mars was a 2025 smash, hitting No. 3 on the Billboard Global 200 and amassing 2 billion streams globally, per Billboard.

ROSÉ’s presence highlighted K-pop’s growing AMAs influence. Fans on verified BLACKPINK fan pages gushed, “ROSÉ looked like a goddess, and ‘APT.’ is still on repeat!” Her appearance sparked debates about K-pop’s mainstream takeover, with X users noting how BLACKPINK’s global streams (over 30 billion on Spotify) are reshaping pop music. ROSÉ’s AMAs moment was brief but electric, proving she’s a star to watch.

Red-Carpet Drama and Fashion Wins

The AMAs red carpet was a fashion parade, and Billboard’s live coverage captured every moment. Carrie Underwood stunned in a bold red gown, hinting at her upcoming 2025 tour, which sold 500,000 tickets in presale, per Variety. Newcomer Benson Boone, fresh off his No. 2 Billboard 200 album Fireworks & Rollerblades, turned heads in a velvet suit. Fans on X raved, with @BensonBooneDaily posting, “Benson’s suit is giving main character energy! #AMAs2025.”

But not every moment was flawless. A minor snafu during the red-carpet livestream—when a mic cut out during an interview—had fans joking on X about “AMAs chaos.” @MusicLover22 tweeted, “Mic issues on the red carpet? Classic AMAs messiness. Still obsessed! #AMAs.” Despite the hiccup, the fashion and star power kept the buzz alive, with over 1 million viewers tuning into Billboard’s livestream.

Why We Care: The AMAs’ Cultural Impact

The 2025 AMAs weren’t just a night of trophies—they were a snapshot of music’s pulse. Billie Eilish’s sweep signals Gen Z’s dominance, with her raw, introspective lyrics resonating across generations. Her 3.5 billion streams for HIT ME HARD AND SOFT dwarf many competitors, showing how streaming is king in 2025. Janet Jackson’s ICON Award reminded us of music’s power to unite, with her Rhythm Nation ethos still inspiring social change. Gwen Stefani’s nostalgic performance tapped into millennials’ love for early-2000s pop, while ROSÉ’s presence underscored K-pop’s global grip, with BLACKPINK’s 30 billion Spotify streams setting a high bar.

The AMAs also reflected industry trends. Live events are booming—Billboard reported a 15% increase in concert ticket sales in 2025 compared to 2024. Streaming numbers, like Billie’s and ROSÉ’s, show how digital platforms drive fan engagement. Fan reactions on X, from @BillieFan4Life to @JanetStanClub, prove that social media amplifies these moments, with #AMAs2025 trending worldwide for 12 hours straight. This night wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural flex, blending legacy acts with new stars and proving music’s still the ultimate connector.

What’s Next for the AMAs Stars?

Billie Eilish is already teasing a 2026 world tour, with promoters estimating it could gross $200 million based on her 2024 tour’s $150 million haul, per Billboard. Janet Jackson’s AMAs moment is a prelude to her rumored 2026 Vegas residency, with talks of a $10 million deal, according to Variety. Gwen Stefani’s performance has sparked buzz for a potential Love. Angel. Music. Baby. re-release with new tracks, and ROSÉ’s “APT.” success hints at a solo album drop in late 2025. The AMAs set the stage for a massive year in music, and fans are already counting down.

So, there you have it—the 2025 AMAs were a whirlwind of triumphs, tributes, and trendsetting moments. From Billie’s historic sweep to Janet’s legendary performance, this night was pure pop culture gold. Keep your eyes peeled for what these stars do next, and stay sharp with Ongoing Now 24!