American Music Awards 2025 Shocking Comeback: 10 Reasons Why This Year's Show Was a Disappointment
The American Music Awards 2025 returned with much fanfare this Memorial Day, airing live from the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. For the first time since 2022, fans and music lovers saw the AMAs back on screen, this time on a new network, CBS, instead of its traditional home, ABC. Yet, despite all the glitz, a new host, and star-studded legacy performers, the event left much to be desired. From A-list no-shows to questionable award wins, here’s an in-depth look at why the American Music Awards 2025 felt more like a missed opportunity than a musical milestone.
1. American Music Awards 2025 Opts for Las Vegas Over Los Angeles
While Las Vegas brought a fresh backdrop, moving the American Music Awards 2025 away from its traditional Los Angeles venue arguably stripped the event of its familiar Hollywood glamour. The decision to host it at Fontainebleau aimed to modernize the event’s appeal, but it instead highlighted the contrast between Vegas showbiz flash and the ceremony’s dwindling relevance.
2. Jennifer Lopez Hosts but Doesn’t Shine
Jennifer Lopez returned as both host and performer, but the American Music Awards 2025 failed to use her talents effectively. Although J.Lo dazzled with a high-energy dance medley — even incorporating hits from Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Benson Boone — her overall presence felt underwhelming. Her performance gave us a glimpse of her still-dynamic stage skills, but her hosting lacked engagement and charisma, especially when compared to presenter Nikki Glaser, who brought far more punch in her brief appearance.
3. A-List Absentees Leave a Void
One of the biggest disappointments of the American Music Awards 2025 was the notable absence of major stars. Despite receiving the most nominations (10), Kendrick Lamar didn’t attend. Billie Eilish, who won seven awards, also skipped the ceremony. Even Taylor Swift — the artist with the most AMA wins in history — was a no-show. Their absences were a glaring indicator of the event’s declining influence in the music industry.
4. Nostalgia Over Innovation
Rather than highlight today’s breakout stars, the American Music Awards 2025 leaned heavily on veteran performers. Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, and Rod Stewart dominated the stage. While these icons deserve respect, their inclusion highlighted the lack of current star power and emerging talent, making the event feel more like a throwback showcase than a forward-looking celebration of music.
5. Kendrick Lamar Snubbed for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist
One of the most controversial moments at the American Music Awards 2025 was Eminem winning Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist over Kendrick Lamar, who had a massive year with the hit “Not Like Us.” Considering Lamar’s cultural and commercial impact, the result felt outdated and raised questions about the award selection process.
6. Reneé Rapp’s Performance Fell Flat
While the AMAs have historically launched careers by spotlighting rising artists, Reneé Rapp’s performance of “Leave Me Alone” failed to leave a lasting impression. Her set underscored the event’s struggles to elevate new talent, despite being one of the few fresh faces on stage.
7. Benson Boone Brings Fresh Energy
A rare highlight of the American Music Awards 2025 was Benson Boone’s charismatic performance of his new track “Magical Mystical.” At just 22, Boone offered a glimmer of hope for the AMA’s future — energetic, stylish, and undeniably talented, he reminded viewers what the event used to stand for.
8. Janet Jackson’s Icon Moment Falls Short
Janet Jackson returned to television for the first time in seven years, delivering an energetic medley before accepting the Icon Award. While her performance of “All for You” and “Someone to Call My Lover” was well-received, the segment lacked emotional impact due to a bland presentation by Tasha Smith and missed opportunities for meaningful tributes.
9. Questionable Presenters and Awkward Moments
From Heidi Klum presenting rap awards to Megan Moroney’s unintentionally controversial comment about the Carter Family inventing country music, the American Music Awards 2025 was riddled with awkward moments. Shaboozey’s visible side-eye during that comment underscored how poorly scripted segments can disrupt the celebration of music diversity.
10. Ticket Prices and Viewership Questions
With ticket prices averaging $230 on Ticketmaster, the American Music Awards 2025 was clearly targeting high-end attendees. However, this pricing and the lack of wide public engagement raised questions about how relevant and accessible the show remains for everyday fans.
Conclusion
The American Music Awards 2025 had the right ingredients for a thrilling return — a major venue, a global broadcast, and a celebrated host. However, its reliance on nostalgia, absence of top-tier talent, and poorly executed segments left it struggling to reclaim its past glory. It remains to be seen whether the AMAs can evolve into a relevant platform for contemporary music or if this year was its swan song.