Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and more lead AMAs nominations
As the music world prepares for one of the biggest nights of the year, the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) are already making headlines. Announced on Wednesday morning, the nominees reflect both the changing tides of music and the artists who continue to shape its future. Leading the nominations for these awards is none other than Kendrick Lamar, who scored an impressive 10 nods, a personal best that cements his continued dominance in modern music.
Slated to take place on May 26 in Las Vegas, the ceremony will be hosted by global icon Jennifer Lopez, whose return to the AMA stage is sure to add star power and spectacle. With fierce competition across genres, breakout stars rising, and veterans eyeing historic wins, the 2025 AMAs are shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
Kendrick Lamar Sets the Tone with 10 Nominations
Coming off the critical and commercial success of his latest album, GNX, Kendrick Lamar is having a landmark year. The Compton native has been nominated in nearly every major category at the American Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for his hit single “Mirror Talk.”
Other nominations include:
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Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist
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Favorite Hip-Hop Album
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Favorite Music Video
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Favorite Collaboration (with Tems on “Falling Leaves”)
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Favorite Touring Artist
Moreover, this year’s AMA nominations underscore Kendrick’s consistent ability to evolve while remaining rooted in powerful storytelling and razor-sharp lyricism. With the industry praising his blend of social commentary and musical innovation, Lamar’s top nomination spot is both expected and deserved.
Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Breakout Stars Follow Close Behind
Meanwhile, while Kendrick may lead the field, several other heavy-hitters for the American Music Awards are right behind him. Post Malone earned eight nominations, thanks largely to the massive success of his genre-blending album Hollywood Curse. Known for his hybrid of hip-hop, rock, and pop, Post is up for Favorite Pop Artist, Album of the Year, and Favorite Collaboration.
Billie Eilish continues her AMA streak with seven nominations. With her latest project, Hit Me Hard & Soft, Eilish delved deeper into sonic experimentation, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. She’s nominated for Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop Album, and Favorite Alternative Artist, among others.
Also securing seven nominations each are Chappell Roan and Shaboozey — two newcomers who’ve taken the industry by storm. Roan, with her theatrical, synth-pop stylings and magnetic stage presence, became a voice of empowerment and representation for Gen Z. Meanwhile, Shaboozey’s fusion of country, trap, and R&B brought a new flavor to mainstream charts.
Taylor Swift Eyes Her 41st AMA Win
No AMA conversation would be complete without Taylor Swift, who picked up six nominations this year — and with them, the chance to break her own record. Already the most awarded artist in AMA history with 40 wins, one more trophy would raise her total to a jaw-dropping 41.
Nominated for Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album (The Tortured Poets Department), and Favorite Music Video (“Fortnight”), Swift’s dominance remains untouched. Her ability to evolve musically while maintaining deep connections with fans has made her a perennial favorite at fan-voted shows like the AMAs.
New Artists Make Their Mark
Moreover, in addition to legacy acts, this year’s nominations are packed with rising stars reshaping the industry. The New Artist of the Year category is particularly stacked, with:
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Chappell Roan
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Shaboozey
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Ayra Starr (Afrobeats)
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Young Miko (Latin/Reggaetón)
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PinkPantheress (Alt-R&B/Hyperpop)
These artists represent the global, genre-fluid direction that mainstream music is taking — one that celebrates innovation, cultural crossover, and authentic voices from around the world.
Jennifer Lopez Returns as Host
Adding even more excitement to the ceremony is the return of Jennifer Lopez as host. Known for her high-energy performances and red-carpet dominance, Lopez is no stranger to the AMA stage.
She’s expected to bring her signature charisma and could potentially debut material from her upcoming album This Is Me…Now (Part II). The hosting gig comes as Lopez continues her multimedia reign, proving once again that she’s a force on and off the stage.
Voting Opens for Fans
One of the things that makes the AMAs unique is that it’s entirely fan-voted. From pop to hip-hop to country and Afrobeats, fans have the power to elevate their favorite artists to the winners’ circle.
Voting opens on the official AMA website and through designated social media platforms starting this week and will remain open until May 20. With fanbases like Swifties, Billie’s “Eyelashers,” and the Kendrick faithful engaged online, the competition will be fierce — and social media will be buzzing.
What to Expect on AMA Night
The 2025 AMAs, airing live on May 26 from Las Vegas, will bring together the biggest names in music for a night of celebration, recognition, and unforgettable performances. Fans can expect:
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Live performances from nominees across genres
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Tributes and lifetime achievement honors
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Red carpet moments that trend worldwide
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First-time duets and surprise guests
The show will also introduce new award categories recognizing trends like Favorite TikTok Song, Social Music Moment of the Year, and Favorite AI-Created Collab, highlighting how technology and social media are transforming the music landscape.
The Cultural Impact of the AMAs
Since 1973, the AMAs have reflected the voice of the people. Unlike the Grammys, which are determined by industry peers, the AMAs are a true barometer of fan loyalty and public impact. Over the decades, legends like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Prince have graced its stage.
In recent years, the AMAs have embraced a more inclusive, global scope, recognizing artists from K-pop, Afrobeats, Latin trap, and beyond. It’s part of what makes the AMAs not just relevant, but essential.
Therefore, with Kendrick Lamar leading the way, Taylor Swift chasing history, and a wave of dynamic new artists stepping into the spotlight, the 2025 American Music Awards are poised to be one of the most memorable in years. Whether you’re a diehard fan, a casual listener, or a culture junkie, this year’s AMAs are sure to offer something special — and perhaps a few surprises.
Tune in on May 26 to see which artists take home the gold, who breaks records, and who defines the next era of music.
