Music fans are still buzzing about it. The way things went down at the 2025 show in Las Vegas basically changed how we look at fan-voted awards. After a long hiatus that felt like forever, the American Music Awards nominees returned to center stage, and honestly, the list was kind of a shocker to some. While everyone expected Taylor Swift to just sweep everything as usual—and yeah, she was there with six nods—the night actually belonged to a different powerhouse.
Billie Eilish. She didn't just win. She went seven for seven.
It’s rare to see that kind of clean sweep in an era where fan bases are so fragmented. You’ve got the Swifties, the Beyhive, and the Barbs all fighting for digital territory, but the 2025 cycle proved that "Birds of a Feather" was more than just a radio hit; it was a cultural shift. Kendrick Lamar actually led the pack with ten nominations, largely thanks to a certain feud that basically took over the internet, yet the trophy count told a different story.
The 2025 Nominee Landscape and the Vegas Transition
Moving the show to the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas was a bold move by Dick Clark Productions. For years, we were used to the Los Angeles vibe. But Vegas brought a certain chaotic energy that matched the nominee list. When you look at the American Music Awards nominees for Artist of the Year, you realize how stacked the deck was:
- Billie Eilish (The eventual big winner)
- Ariana Grande
- Chappell Roan
- Kendrick Lamar
- Morgan Wallen
- Post Malone
- Sabrina Carpenter
- SZA
- Taylor Swift
- Zach Bryan
Think about that lineup for a second. You have the "Princess of Midwest Princess" fame, Chappell Roan, sitting right next to a veteran like Taylor Swift. It felt like a passing of the torch, or at least a very loud conversation between the old guard and the new "it" girls of pop.
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Why Kendrick Led but Billie Swept
Kendrick Lamar's ten nominations were a direct result of "Not Like Us" being everywhere. It was the "Social Song of the Year" (though Doechii actually took that one home for "Anxiety") and a hip-hop staple. But the AMAs are about fan engagement across everything—streaming, sales, and radio.
Billie’s Hit Me Hard and Soft album resonated with a demographic that actually shows up to vote in these specific polls. It’s a nuance people often miss. Having the most nominations doesn't guarantee the most trophies because different fan bases prioritize different platforms. Kendrick’s fans might be streaming "GNX" on repeat, but Billie’s fans are the ones clicking "vote" on Instagram and the AMAs website until their thumbs go numb.
Surprises in the Genre Categories
Country music is having a weird, brilliant moment. Beyoncé was one of the American Music Awards nominees for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album. And she won.
That was a huge deal.
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It was her first time being recognized in the country category at the AMAs after 11 previous wins in other genres. It sparked a lot of "is it country?" debates again, but the fans spoke. On the flip side, Post Malone finally grabbed his first country trophy for Favorite Male Country Artist. Seeing Malone and Beyoncé dominate a space traditionally held by the Nashville establishment shows how much the genre lines have blurred.
Then there's Shaboozey. He had seven nominations. For a "new" artist to walk in with seven nods is practically unheard of. It puts him in the same tier as Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan for that specific year. While he didn't take home every award, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" was the undeniable soundtrack of the summer, and his presence on the nominee list felt earned, not just trendy.
The Rock and R&B Resurgence
We should talk about Linkin Park. Honestly, seeing them back on a nominee list felt like 2003 in the best way. Their win for Favorite Rock Song with "The Emptiness Machine" proved that nostalgia is a powerful drug for voters. They beat out Green Day and Zach Bryan, which isn't easy to do these days.
In R&B, SZA and The Weeknd continue to be the standard. The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow took Favorite R&B Album, while SZA’s "Saturn" claimed the song title. It’s almost like there’s a permanent reservation for them on the nominee list at this point.
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What to Expect for the 2026 Nominees
If you’re looking ahead, the cycle for the 52nd American Music Awards is already heating up. CBS and Paramount+ have locked in a five-year deal, and they've already confirmed the show will return on Memorial Day weekend in May 2026.
Based on current charts, the next batch of American Music Awards nominees will likely be dominated by:
- Taylor Swift: Her "Eras Tour" longevity and potential new "TikTok-friendly" categories (like the one seen at iHeartRadio) will keep her at the top.
- Sabrina Carpenter: After "Short n' Sweet" and "Espresso" dominated 2025, she's no longer just a "rising" star; she's a heavy hitter.
- Alex Warren and Benson Boone: These two are the new blueprint for singer-songwriters who break out via social media but maintain real chart power.
- Bad Bunny: He’s still the king of the Latin categories, and with a new deal on the horizon, expect him to lead the international charge.
The voting process remains the same: it’s all on you. Nominees are determined by Billboard and Luminate data, but the winners are 100% fan-voted. That's why the AMAs feel more "real" to some people than the Grammys. There’s no secret committee. It’s just a popularity contest—but in music, popularity is the only currency that truly matters at the end of the day.
How to Stay Ahead of the Vote
If you want your favorite artist to move from "nominee" to "winner," you have to be ready when the window opens. Usually, nominations drop about a month before the show. For 2026, keep your eyes peeled around April.
- Follow the Official Channels: The @AMAs Instagram and TikTok are where the "Social Song" categories usually live.
- Check the Luminate Data: If your artist is top 10 on the Billboard 200 or Hot 100 during the eligibility period (typically Oct to Oct), they are almost guaranteed a slot.
- Don't Ignore the Soundtracks: Categories like "Favorite Soundtrack" are becoming battlegrounds for gaming and anime fans (like the Arcane win in 2025).
The transition back to a regular yearly schedule is great for the industry. It gives a clear snapshot of what we were actually listening to, rather than what a room full of executives thought we should be listening to. Whether it's Billie Eilish sweeping again or a total underdog taking the stage, the nominees are the ones who actually defined the year's vibe.
To prep for the next cycle, start tracking the Billboard Year-End charts now. Most 2026 nominees will come from the artists currently sitting in the top 20 of the Global 200. If you see a name like Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter holding steady for six months, you can bet they’ll be at the top of the list come next May.