The energy was weirdly electric. You could feel it through the screen. After a two-year hiatus that felt like an eternity for pop culture junkies, the AMA music awards red carpet officially returned on May 26, 2025. It wasn't in the usual Los Angeles sprawl, though. Instead, the whole circus moved to the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Moving to Vegas changed the vibe. It just did. Usually, these carpets are about prestige or "cool," but this one felt like a high-stakes costume party where the dress code was basically "don't be boring."
The Purple Carpet Chaos
First off, it wasn't even red. They went with a purple carpet this year, which felt like a subtle nod to the 50th-anniversary vibes we saw during the late 2024 special. Honestly, if you're looking for subtle, you're at the wrong show.
Jennifer Lopez hosted the night and she didn't just walk the carpet; she owned the entire zip code. She showed up late—classic move—wearing a nude-toned gown with cut-outs that looked like something pulled straight from a 2000s time capsule. It worked because it was J.Lo. Anyone else might have looked like they were trying too hard, but she just looked like the boss.
👉 See also: Ted Nugent State of Shock: Why This 1979 Album Divides Fans Today
Then there was Rebecca Black. Remember the "Friday" girl? She’s a full-on indie-pop darling now. She walked out in a custom Erick Charlotte bridal-meets-sailor look. It had a veil. It had a monogrammed hat. It was weirdly brilliant and reminded everyone that the AMAs are where you go to be a little bit "too much."
Standout Looks That Stole the Show
- Shaboozey: This guy is having a massive year. He leaned into the "modern cowboy" aesthetic with custom Etro. We're talking beaded fringe, leather chaps, and a vest. It was a lot to look at, but it fit the "A Bar Song" energy perfectly.
- Lainey Wilson: She kept the country-glam alive in Rahul Mishra. It was an embroidered suit with a sheer cape. Some critics called it "Country Dracula," but let's be real—the tailoring was incredible.
- Benson Boone: Instead of the usual flashy pop-star glitter, he went for a forest green vintage-style suit. It felt very Freddie Mercury. Simple. Sharp.
- Ciara: She went full metallic goddess in Bronx and Banco. Structured, shiny, and basically a piece of architecture you can wear.
Why the AMA Music Awards Red Carpet Hits Different
The Grammys are for the industry. The Oscars are for the actors. But the AMAs? They’re fan-voted. That translates to the fashion. When artists know they're being judged by the people who actually stream their music, they loosen up.
Take Machine Gun Kelly for example. In 2022, he wore a suit covered in literal spikes that made it impossible for him to sit down. This year? He did a total 180. He showed up in a shirt, tie, and vest. No spikes. No pink hair. It was a "clean-up" moment that had everyone talking because it was so unexpected.
✨ Don't miss: Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus Explained (Simply)
The Great "Snub" Debate
You can't talk about the 2025 AMA music awards red carpet without mentioning the elephant in the room: the Taylor Swift situation. Even though she wasn't physically there to walk the purple carpet, her presence was everywhere.
Fans were actually pretty upset. There were rumors and Reddit threads claiming the show producers "muted" the crowd's cheers during her nomination clips. Whether that's true or just internet paranoia, it cast a bit of a shadow over the night. Billie Eilish ended up sweeping several categories, which led to the usual fan-base wars on X. It’s part of the drama. You expect it.
The Vegas Influence
Being at the Fontainebleau meant the "showgirl" aesthetic was out in full force. Becky G wore a leopard-print Catherine Regehr mini-dress that featured a train she used as a shawl. It was very "Old Vegas" meets "New Pop."
🔗 Read more: Big Brother 27 Morgan: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Vegas also brought out the legends. Rod Stewart showed up in a silver metallic suit, looking exactly like the rock icon he is. He even had a "Celtic" tie pin to celebrate his football team. It’s those little personal touches that make the AMA music awards red carpet feel more human than the Met Gala.
What Most People Missed
While the cameras were focusing on the gowns, some of the most interesting stuff happened in the background.
- Sustainability: A lot of the "vintage" looks weren't just for style. There’s a growing trend of artists pulling from archives rather than requesting new custom builds.
- The Influencer Invasion: For better or worse, the carpet was packed with creators like Kai Cenat and Alix Earle. It’s a sign of where the industry is going. If you have the ears of the fans, you get a seat at the table.
- The Return of the Suit: We saw a massive shift away from the "naked dress" trend toward structured, colorful tailoring. Reneé Rapp, for instance, rocked an oversized blazer dress from GAP Studio. It wasn't perfect—the fit was a bit baggy—but it was a statement against the typical "sequins and skin" formula.
How to Get the Look (Without the Million-Dollar Budget)
Watching the AMA music awards red carpet is fun, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. If you’re looking to take some of that energy into your own wardrobe, focus on the textures.
Metallics are still huge. You don't need a custom Bronx and Banco gown to pull it off. A silver blazer or even metallic shoes can give you that Ciara vibe. Also, don't be afraid of "Theatrical Americana." A good pair of boots and some fringe go a long way in 2026.
Actionable Insights for Your Style
- Mix Eras: Don't be afraid to pair a 90s silhouette with modern accessories.
- Tailoring is King: Even a simple suit (like MGK's) looks expensive if it actually fits your body.
- Embrace the "Theme": If you're going to an event, lean into the location's vibe.
- Comfort Matters: Notice how the stars who looked the best were the ones who could actually move. If you're stiff, it shows.
The 2025 return of the AMAs proved that this show still has teeth. It might be a little messy, and the "fan-voted" nature might lead to some controversial wins, but the fashion remains the most fearless in the business. Keep an eye on the upcoming spring tours; you’ll see these red carpet trends reflected on stage almost immediately.