The American Music Awards, held in Las Vegas on Monday, featured an array of performances and awards presentations. Host Jennifer Lopez captivated the audience with her dynamic presence, while Billie Eilish dominated the award categories, earning seven accolades. Eminem, Rod Stewart, and Beyoncé also took home prestigious honors despite not attending the event. Janet Jackson was celebrated as an icon, delivering a powerful performance that underscored her legacy. Other highlights included Benson Boone's energetic set, Gloria Estefan’s tribute to Latin music, and Shaboozey’s amusing reaction during a presentation.
At the core of the evening's events was Billie Eilish's remarkable sweep of the major categories. The 23-year-old singer won seven prizes, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for "Hit Me Hard and Soft." Additionally, her track "Birds of a Feather" earned the Song of the Year award. Despite being on tour in Europe, Eilish's absence did little to diminish the impact of her victories. Meanwhile, Eminem claimed two awards—Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album—but like Eilish, he was unable to attend the ceremony.
Jennifer Lopez, known affectionately as J.Lo, commanded attention throughout the evening. At 55 years old, she showcased her vocal and dance talents through a medley of hits, including renditions of songs by other artists such as Billie Eilish and Beyoncé. Her interactions with male and female dancers left a lasting impression, sparking reactions ranging from admiration to amusement among fans watching online.
Rod Stewart received a lifetime achievement award, presented unexpectedly by five of his children. Expressing surprise, the 80-year-old musician remarked, "I’m absolutely flabbergasted." He went on to perform "Forever Young," reflecting on his journey in music, which began with a passion for singing rather than fame. His heartfelt gratitude extended to past and present bandmates, emphasizing the enduring nature of his musical aspirations.
Social media buzzed about Shaboozey’s subtle yet noticeable reaction during a joint presentation with Megan Moroney. When Moroney mentioned that the Carter Family "basically invented country music," Shaboozey paused briefly before offering a skeptical glance, followed by a quiet laugh. This moment quickly gained traction online, becoming one of the night's viral highlights.
In another standout moment, Janet Jackson accepted the Icon Award, reinforcing her status as a legendary figure in the music industry. She performed a selection of her iconic tracks, captivating the crowd with her artistry. In her speech, Jackson expressed humility, stating, "I don’t consider myself an icon," attributing her success to a deep love for music and hard work rather than a desire for fame.
Young performer Benson Boone added flair to the show with his acrobatic moves and vibrant outfits. Dressed in a green suit jacket for the red carpet, he transitioned into a floral purple ensemble for his live rendition of "Mystical Magical." His youthful energy brought a fresh perspective to the stage.
Gloria Estefan honored the rich heritage of Latin music with a lively Conga performance, while Gwen Stefani revisited her early 2000s hits, delighting nostalgic fans. Other winners included R&B sensation SZA, rising star Gracie Abrams, and international favorite Becky G, alongside collaborators Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars.
This year’s American Music Awards provided a platform for celebrating diverse musical achievements. Through their performances and acceptance speeches, artists shared personal stories and passions, creating memories that will resonate with audiences long after the event concluded.