7 Shocking Snubs And Triumphs From The American Music Awards 2025 Nominations (Plus 2026 Frontrunners)
As of December 22, 2025, the American Music Awards (AMAs) 2025 ceremony is officially in the history books, having delivered one of the most surprising and hotly contested nomination lists in years. While the initial nomination announcement in April 2025 set the stage for a showdown between Hip-Hop titans and Pop superstars, the final results showcased a massive shift in fan-voted dominance, crowning a new Artist of the Year.
The 51st Annual AMAs, which took place in May 2025, saw a record number of nominations for several major artists, but the biggest story was the sheer sweep by one global phenomenon. This article breaks down the headline-grabbing nominations, the ultimate winners, and, crucially, looks ahead to the artists and albums set to dominate the upcoming American Music Awards 2026.
The Full Recap: American Music Awards 2025 Nominations & Winners
The American Music Awards 2025 nominations, announced in late April 2025, immediately sparked debate across social media. The eligibility period for the 51st ceremony covered music released from late 2023 through early 2025, capturing a significant wave of major album cycles. The fan-voted nature of the AMAs often leads to different results compared to peer-voted shows like the Grammys, and the 2025 list was no exception.
Top Nominees and Category Leaders
The nomination list was a clear reflection of the year's commercial and critical powerhouses. Two artists stood head and shoulders above the rest, signaling a strong year for Hip-Hop and Rap music:
- Kendrick Lamar: Led the field with a staggering 10 nominations. His critically acclaimed work earned nods in major categories including Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock, and Favorite Hip-Hop Album.
- Post Malone: Followed closely with 8 nominations, reflecting his consistent radio presence and streaming success across multiple genres.
- Billie Eilish: Secured 7 nominations, primarily for her third studio album, positioning her as a strong contender in the Pop categories.
- Chappell Roan: The breakout star of the year, she earned 5 nominations, including New Artist of the Year and Favorite Pop Song for her viral hit.
Major Winners and Key Triumphs
Despite Kendrick Lamar's nomination lead, the night belonged unequivocally to Billie Eilish. She dominated the fan vote, taking home an incredible seven awards, including the night's biggest prize.
- Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish (Winner) - Beating out nominees like Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Taylor Swift.
- New Artist of the Year: Gracie Abrams (Winner) - A major victory over fellow nominees Chappell Roan and Shaboozey.
- Favorite Pop Album: Billie Eilish (Winner)
- Favorite Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem (Winner)
- Favorite R&B Album: Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter (Winner)
- Favorite Collaboration: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.” (Winner)
The results confirmed that while nominations track industry buzz, the AMAs remain a true testament to an artist's dedicated fan base and their ability to mobilize the vote. The victories by Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams highlight the rising power of new-generation Pop artists in the current music landscape.
Setting the Stage for the 2026 AMAs: Eligibility and Key Dates
With the 51st ceremony wrapped, all eyes are now turning to the 52nd American Music Awards, which will honor the best music of the current cycle. Given the current date of December 2025, the focus is now entirely on the AMAs 2026.
The Expected Timeline
The American Music Awards typically follow a consistent schedule, culminating in a ceremony around Memorial Day weekend.
- Ceremony Date: The 52nd Annual American Music Awards (AMAs 2026) are expected to be held in May 2026, likely on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
- Location: The show is confirmed to return to Las Vegas, following the successful 2025 broadcast from the entertainment capital.
- Eligibility Period: The window for eligibility for the AMAs 2026 will generally cover music released throughout 2025, typically from early March 2025 through early March 2026. This means any major releases from the second half of 2025 are prime contenders for the upcoming nominations.
- Nominations Announcement: Based on the 2025 timeline, the official AMAs 2026 nominations list will likely be announced in late March or early April 2026.
Frontrunners & Predictions: Who Will Dominate the AMAs 2026 Nominations?
The latter half of 2025 saw a flurry of major album drops and single releases, all of which fall squarely into the eligibility period for the AMAs 2026. These artists and their projects are the most likely to lead the nomination count when the list is unveiled next spring.
The Pop and R&B Powerhouses
Pop and R&B categories are always fiercely competitive at the AMAs, and the 2026 nominations are shaping up to be a battle between established icons and rising global stars.
- Lana Del Rey: Her highly anticipated new music, expected in late 2025 or early 2026, will be a major force in the Alternative/Pop categories. Her dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim make her a strong contender for Artist of the Year.
- Charli XCX: Following her continued success with the hyper-pop genre, Charli XCX is poised for multiple nods, especially in the Dance/Electronic and Pop categories, reflecting her strong album sales and streaming metrics.
- Leigh-Anne: The former Little Mix member's solo career has gained significant traction. Her debut solo album, if released within the eligibility window, could secure her a New Artist of the Year nomination and strong placement in the R&B categories.
Hip-Hop, Rap, and Global Music Contenders
The AMAs have increasingly recognized the global reach of music, particularly K-Pop, and the enduring popularity of Hip-Hop. These artists are expected to lead the charge in their respective genres:
- G-Dragon and Jennie: The global music landscape is heavily influenced by K-Pop, and the individual success of artists like G-Dragon and Jennie, especially following Jennie’s record-breaking debut album Ruby, will likely translate into nominations for Favorite K-Pop Artist, Favorite Collaboration, and possibly even Artist of the Year.
- Sabrina Carpenter: Riding a massive wave of global hits and a high-profile tour throughout 2025, Sabrina Carpenter is a lock for multiple nominations, including Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock and Favorite Music Video. Her continued visibility and fan engagement make her a top threat.
- Morgan Wallen: Despite being a past nominee, his continued dominance in Country music and crossover appeal ensures he will be a strong contender in the Country categories, and potentially a repeat nominee for Artist of the Year.
- SZA: A perennial favorite, SZA's sustained popularity and any new material released in the qualifying period will make her a strong frontrunner for Favorite Female Artist – R&B and Favorite R&B Album.
The 2026 American Music Awards nominations will ultimately be determined by the fans, making commercial success and social media buzz the most critical factors. Based on the major releases and sustained popularity through late 2025, the stage is set for a thrilling nominations announcement in the spring of 2026.
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