This year's American Music Awards (AMAs) have unveiled a star-studded lineup of nominees, with Kendrick Lamar leading the pack. The celebrated artist has garnered an impressive ten nominations across various categories. Following closely behind is Post Malone with eight nominations, while Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey each secure seven nods. Voting is now live through VoteAMAs.com or via the @AMAs Instagram profile, allowing fans to cast their votes in all award categories. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the 51st AMAs will air live from Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.
The awards honor artists based on key fan interactions as reflected in the Billboard charts. These include streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour grosses, tracked by Billboard and Luminate over the period from March 22, 2024, to March 20, 2025. Notable highlights include Kendrick Lamar's potential to tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for most wins in a single year, Taylor Swift's continued dominance with six nominations, and Beyoncé's inclusion in Country categories. First-time nominees like Benson Boone, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, and others add fresh faces to the prestigious list.
Kendrick Lamar's Dominance and Rising Stars
Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations with ten nods, showcasing his versatility and influence across multiple genres. His entries span from Artist of the Year to Favorite Hip-Hop Song, highlighting his expansive reach within the music industry. Other notable performers such as Post Malone and Billie Eilish follow closely, reflecting their ongoing impact on contemporary music trends. These artists not only represent established names but also symbolize the evolving landscape of modern music.
Among the standout figures is Kendrick Lamar, who has consistently pushed boundaries in hip-hop and beyond. His nominations include Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for "GNX," Song of the Year for "Not Like Us," and more. This extensive recognition underscores his ability to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Post Malone adds another layer to the competition with diverse nominations ranging from Country categories to collaborations with other major artists. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish continues her reign with strong contenders in both mainstream and genre-specific awards, reinforcing her status as a pivotal figure in pop culture today. Together, these artists exemplify how innovation and authenticity can lead to widespread acclaim.
New Artists Making Waves
Emerging talents are making significant strides at the 2025 AMAs, particularly Chappell Roan and Shaboozey, each earning seven nominations apiece. Their inclusion signifies the importance of fresh voices in shaping the future of music. Additionally, first-time nominees like Benson Boone, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, among others, bring new energy to traditional categories. This influx of talent ensures that the AMAs remain relevant and reflective of current musical tastes.
Chappell Roan stands out as one of the most promising newcomers, receiving nods in crucial areas such as Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year. Her work showcases originality and depth, resonating strongly with younger demographics. Similarly, Shaboozey captures attention through unique contributions to Country music, challenging preconceived notions about genre limitations. Furthermore, other debutants contribute significantly by expanding horizons within specific niches - whether it be Latin, K-pop, or Afrobeats - thereby enriching the overall tapestry of global music represented at the AMAs. Such diversity highlights the event's commitment to celebrating all facets of today's dynamic music scene.