Wondering when are the AMAs this year? The 51st American Music Awards are set for tonight, May 26, 2025, airing live from Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. After a two-year hiatus, the AMAs return with a fresh spring date, a new network, and a star-studded lineup. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the show promises electrifying performances and heartfelt tributes, including honors for music legends. Let’s dive into what makes this year’s AMAs a must-watch event.
When Are the AMAs Happening?
The AMAs are breaking tradition by moving to Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, a first for the awards show that typically aired in the fall. This shift aligns with CBS’s new multi-year deal to broadcast the event, replacing ABC, which hosted the AMAs from 1974 to 2022. The ceremony will take place at the luxurious Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a new venue for the show. Fans across the U.S. can watch live on both coasts, a change from past tape-delayed West Coast broadcasts. This scheduling tweak also allows the AMAs to honor U.S. veterans, fitting the Memorial Day theme.
Who’s Performing and Presenting?
This year’s AMAs boast an impressive roster. Janet Jackson, set to receive the Icon Award, will perform her first televised set since 2018. Rod Stewart, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, joins the stage, alongside acts like Gwen Stefani, celebrating 20 years of her solo album, and Lainey Wilson, fresh off her 2025 ACM Awards wins. Other performers include Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, and Reneé Rapp. Presenters, announced just days ago, add to the excitement, ensuring a night of surprises and star power.
| 2025 AMAs Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Jennifer Lopez (second time hosting after 2015) |
| Key Performers | Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson |
| Special Awards | Icon Award (Janet Jackson), Lifetime Achievement (Rod Stewart), Veterans Voice Award (Zac Brown) |
| Top Nominee | Kendrick Lamar with 10 nominations |
When Are the AMAs Voting Deadlines?
The AMAs remain the world’s largest fan-voted awards show. Nominations, announced on April 23, 2025, reflect fan interactions like streaming, album sales, and radio airplay. Kendrick Lamar leads with 10 nods, followed by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Chappell Roan. Voting for most categories closed on May 15, but fans can still vote for Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year during the first 30 minutes of the broadcast via VoteAMAs.com or the AMAs’ Instagram. This fan-driven format ensures your favorite artists have a shot at glory.
Why the AMAs Matter in 2025
After skipping 2023 and 2024, the AMAs return with renewed energy. The 2024 50th Anniversary Special drew over 6.1 million viewers, a 53% jump from 2022, proving the show’s enduring appeal. Its move to May and CBS, plus the Las Vegas setting, signals a bold new era. The AMAs continue to celebrate diverse genres—pop, hip-hop, country, Latin, and more—while honoring veterans through moments like the inaugural Veterans Voice Award for Zac Brown. Tonight’s show blends nostalgia, fresh talent, and patriotic tributes.
What to Expect Tonight
Expect a three-hour spectacle packed with live performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and unexpected collaborations. The AMAs’ fan-voted nature often leads to surprise winners, keeping viewers on edge. With Jennifer Lopez at the helm, the energy will be electric. Whether you’re tuning in for Kendrick Lamar’s potential sweep or Janet Jackson’s iconic return, the 2025 AMAs promise a night to remember.
Don’t Miss the 2025 AMAs!
Set your reminders for 8 p.m. ET tonight, May 26, 2025, and catch the AMAs live on CBS or Paramount+. Vote for your favorites, celebrate music’s biggest stars, and honor the troops with this unforgettable Memorial Day event. Share your predictions and reactions on social media—let’s make this AMAs night epic!