Category: Viral

While Janet Jackson and Rod Stewart received career awards at the 2025 American Music Awards, the performances and award wins themselves gave audiences a look at where music is heading for the foreseeable future. That’s both a figurative and literal characterization: multiple artists, including Alex Warren, Benson Boone, and Reneé Rapp, used their performances to promote their current projects (both Boone and Rapp have albums coming this summer, while Warren is riding the wave of his September release, You’ll Be Alright, Kid).

But on the other hand, despite zeitgeisty wins for SZA and Eminem, many of the breakouts involved artists who appear to be flying under the radar while still having outsized impacts on young audiences. As one of the few fan-voted award shows, unlike, say, the Grammys, which require professional connections, annual dues, and cultural cachet for participation, the AMAs are a slightly better way to place a finger on the pulse of where listeners are — Twitter Stan wars meddling with certain results notwithstanding.

Consider Gracie Abrams’ surprising New Artist Of The Year award win over chart dominators like Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Tommy Richman, or Billie Eilish’s Artist Of The Year win over cultural attention magnets like Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter. Doechii’s win for new category Social Song Of The Year with her TikTok-favorite hit “Anxiety” also continued the Swamp Princess’ fascinating rise to the upper echelons of rap and the streaming and sales charts.

However, the show having so many categories begs the question of which awards are televised and why. For instance, Favorite Country Duo Dan + Shay were actually in attendance to collect their award, but Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist Eminem(??????) was not, while neither Favorite Male nor Female Country Artist (Post Malone, Beyoncé) was broadcast, and Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist (it was Megan Thee Stallion) also went unaired. Meanwhile, the Album and Song of the Year categories are both new, so it’s understandable that they weren’t part of the broadcast… but then, why were they added to the slate? Billie Eilish won both, by the way.

However, setting aside those questionable decisions, the other half of the performances, those honoring musical legends like Janet Jackson, Gloria Estefan, and Rod Stewart (and yes, even Jennifer Lopez, who has been a megastar in the past 20 years, despite her down year) were immaculate showcases of the sorts of talents that many of the younger honorees should hope to be. While some on social media found J. Lo’s six-minute dance medley confusing, it was also exactly the vehicle to display the sort of technical craftsmanship that even allows someone to share the stage with artists 25 years junior over 30 years into a career.

Some other fascinating trends of the evening: The era of the single genre star may just be at its end. In nearly every genre category, if a crossover artist was nominated, they won. Beyoncé and Post Malone took home country awards (Favorite Female Country Artist and Country Album Of The Year for her, Favorite Male Country Artist for him), while Lady Gaga was declared Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist for her work on Mayhem. Also, I’m not sure The Weeknd necessarily qualifies as R&B, but there he is, atop the Favorite Male R&B Artist category, along with an R&B Album Of The Year win for Hurry Up, Tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it sounds like thirst for a Bruno Mars comeback might be as high as it’s ever been, with the “Vegas lounge singer” taking Favorite Male Pop Artist and Favorite Music Video (alongside Lady Gaga for “Die With A Smile”), despite having been holed up in the desert . And Billie Eilish seems to have the hardest core of fans willing to spend time voting for her out of all the pop girlies, even taking home Favorite Touring Artist over the mighty Taylor Swift and her merry Twitter mob.

It certainly looks like the future will continue to be dominated by genre dilettantes, by earnest singer-songwriters and vulnerable, yet tough rap queens, and somehow, inexplicably, by Eminem’s faceless gagge of Mountain Dew swilling fanboys, who refuse to acknowledge any other MC no matter how corny his concepts get (truly, we are in Trump’s America now). Benson Boone will keep backflipping into America’s hearts, Reneé Rapp and Chappelle Roan will continue their all-out assault of grrrl-powered, bi-panic-baiting outcast anthems, and Beyoncé will continue doing anything she damn well pleases. The American Music Awards will continue to live up to their name: the music that largely represents America, sincere, diverse, hopeful, maybe a little bit cheesy, and always ready to put on a show.

In 2017, Grizzly Bear released Painted Ruins, and a few years later, in 2020, they went on hiatus. There hasn’t been much news out of that camp since then… until today (May 27): The band is reuniting for a brief run of US tour dates, they announced.

In October and November, Grizzly Bear is set to perform in Brooklyn (for three nights), Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland. The general on-sale for tickets starts May 30 at 10 a.m. PT, and there are various pre-sales as well. Find more ticket information here.

In 2023, the band’s Ed Droste spoke with GQ about his decision to step away from music, saying:

“It was something that was bubbling underneath for a while for me. It was just a couple long stints on the road where I had a look-in-the-mirror moment being like, ‘Do I still really want to be doing this in the next five years?’ I slowly came to terms with the fact that I wanted to try something different. I don’t want to sound like I wasn’t having fun. I still enjoy making music and I enjoyed performing, but there were some negative aspects of it for me that started to outweigh the positive for my mental health and my physical health. I just decided to take control of my life, and this has honestly been so much healthier for me, and that’s just a me thing. That was just something I needed to do for myself.”

Check out the list of tour dates below.

Grizzly Bear’s 2025 Tour Dates

10/13 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
10/14 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
10/16 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/08 — Chicago, IL @ Salt Shed
11/12 — Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Auditorium
11/18 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
11/19 — Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Gorillaz‘s self-titled debut album (which gave us one of the most inventive music videos of the 21st century), but the virtual band is getting the party started early with a series of one-off shows in London. The Damon Albarn-led group will play their first three albums, Gorillaz, Demon Days, and Plastic Beach (complete with visuals!), along with a mystery show, at Copper Box Arena.

The limited-capacity residency kicks off with Gorillaz on Friday, August 29, followed by Demon Days on Saturday, August 30; Plastic Beach on Tuesday, September 2; and lastly, the mystery show on Wednesday, September 3.

The shows mark the final week of the House Of Kong exhibition. Here’s more:

“Visitors to House of Kong will take a jaunt behind the curtain of Gorillaz’ extraordinary world. A journey through the band’s life of misadventures, musical innovation and ground-breaking virtual ways since these four outsiders — bassist Murdoc Niccals, singer 2D, drummer Russel Hobbs and guitarist Noodle — first came together to blow up a pre-digital world with the release of ‘Tomorrow Comes Today’ in 2000. An exhibition like no other, House of Kong is an experience for the brave and bold.”

For tickets and more information, click here.

It’s been about a year and a half since Pink Friday 2, the latest album from Nicki Minaj. That’s not that long, but it may not be that much longer before we get another LP from Minaj. At the very least, what is confirmed is that one is definitely in progress.

In a new interview with Vogue Italia, Minaj said of her next album:

“I’ve got a bunch of really strong tracks, but I don’t want to rush. I want the record to mean something, both for the fans and for me. I’ll never be one of those people who puts out songs just to put them out. I love music. I respect it.”

Of touring, she added, “[I want] to experience it all again, as soon as possible. For me, and for the Barbz.”

She was also asked about new artists she likes and she said, “Sabrina Carpenter. I didn’t know she’d been around that long when I started listening to her. A breath of fresh air. I like Billie Eilish. I love everything she does. Then there’s a dancehall artist… his name’s Skeng.”

The admiration between Minaj and Eilish is mutual, as the latter recently named the former as the best female rapper ever.

A few days ago, Jennifer Lopez revealed that while rehearsing for a 2025 American Music Awards performance (she hosted the show, too), she sustained an injury. It ultimately wasn’t serious and she looked unscathed when it was finally time to take the stage.

Fans who liked that are now met with some great news: Also last night, Lopez took advantage of the spotlight that was on her to announce Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live In Las Vegas, a new residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Lopez shared a promo image on Instagram and wrote, “SURPRISE JLOVERS! We’re back! I’m doing a residency in Las Vegas! Join me for Up All Night Live In Las Vegas At The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.” She also told Las Vegas’ 8 News Now:

“We just feel things out. There’s not a… you know, like, ‘We’re going to do this at this time.’ I just feel like I’m ready to perform again. I had to cancel my tour last year, and so I’ve been thinking of performing a lot, and I had such a great time when I was here in Vegas.”

As Variety notes, performances are currently set for December 30 and 31, 2025; January 2 and 3, 2026; and eight additional dates between March 6 and 28, 2026.

Taylor Swift is an American Music Awards darling. The “Fortnight” singer was even featured in several promotional clip and visual packages of this year’s ceremony.

Despite it all, Swift did not attend the 2025 American Music Awards. While, she was not the only A-lister to skip the event, Taylor Swift’s recent Reputation (Taylor’s Version) teasers and her long history with the AMAs, fans believed she would use the show to officially announce the highly anticipated project.

Disappointed by Swift’s absence and the lack of Reputation (Taylor’s Version) update, Swifties took to social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to air out their frustrations.

“Mini ‘rant’ over, WHERE TF IS TAYLOR SWIFT, AND WHY DID THE AMA’S END EARLY,” wrote one user. “AND WHERE. IS. REP. TV.”

“Watched the entire AMAs and Taylor Swift didn’t even show up and announce ‘Reputation TV,’” penned another.

“Propaganda I unfortunately fell for: Taylor Swift announcing ‘Rep TV’ on the AMAs,” chimed another.

To which a supporter replied, “Real as f*ck.”

“How much did they pay Taylor Swift to drive AMA viewership up for her to announce NOTHING ,” sarcastically joked another.

Taylor Swift’s mission to own all of her masters is nearly over. The only pieces missing are the re-recordings of (or Taylor’s Version) her 2006 self-titled debut album and 2017’s Reputation.

In the eyes of fans, Shaboozey is a country music rookie. However, before his “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” success, Shaboozey’s career dated back to 2014. His love for the genre runs even further back.

But tonight (May 26), Shaboozey’s knowledge of country was put to the test. During the 2025 American Music Awards, Shaboozey took to the stage as a category presenter. Before handing off the award for Favorite Country Duo Or Group, co-presenter Megan Moroney informed Shaboozey of some country music history and the genre’s supposed founding family–the Carters.

“That same year, Favorite Female Artist went to Lynn Anderson, and this award [Favorite Country Duo or Group] went to the Carter family,” said the singer. “Who basically invented country music.”

But based on Shaboozey’s hilarious reaction (viewable here), he does not seem to agree with Moroney’s declaration. While Shaboozey is familiar with the Carter family as a Cowboy Carter collaborator of Beyoncé (Knowles-Carter), he appears to have some hesitation in crowning the other Carters (the Carter Family, Carter Sisters, June Carter Cash, or Carlene Carter).

Well, Shaboozey is going to need a double shot of whiskey soon now that the momentary facial reaction has sparked a viral debate across social platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).

Today (May 26), musicians from across genres descended onto Fontainebleau Las Vegas for the 2025 American Music Awards. The night is dedicated to crowning the year’s most impactful recording artists.

With Kendrick Lamar leading the pack with 10 nominations, Post Malone following with eight nods, and Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, as well as Shaboozey with 7 nods, the nominations are stacked. But the other most competitive title of the ceremony is best dressed.

Continue below to view some of our favorite red carpet looks from the 2025 American Music Awards. View the full nomination list here.

Benson Boone

Benson Boone’s onstage fashionable inspiration draws from the late rock legends Little Richard and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. In short, most of the “Mystical Magical” singer’s looks are dripped in stones and are skin tight. However, Boone saved the theatrics for his performance. On the red carpet, Boone sported a simple yet sophisticated emerald green suit and cloud white blouse designed by David Yurman with matching jewelry from Yurman.

Ciara

The AMAs’ dress code is up for interpretation. With the ceremony being held in Las Vegas, Ciara was the ultimate showgirl. Dripped in jewels, Ciara pulled a crystal-embellished strapless top and fringe skirt from Bronx and Banco’s Fall 2023 “La Bohème” collection, paired with Dolce & Gabbana metallic sandals.

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest country music stars. So, the American Music Awards are a place to show off Americana fashion. Tonight that was a beautifully embroidered suit from Rahul Mishra.

Machine Gun Kelly

If only for one night, Machine Gun Kelly decided to ditch his signature street wear uniform for a shirt and tie. While his past studded look was a topic of viral discussion, tonight MGK’s brought up another conversation–how well he can clean up.

Rebecca Black

No, Rebecca Black isn’t lost at sea. Nor is she a runaway Navy bride. But given that the 2025 AMAs took place on Memorial Day, the singer’s stylist Dot found a way to pay homage to the armed forces, designed by Erik Charlotte.

Alex Warren‘s “Ordinary” is breaking some extraordinary records. The breakout hit from 2024’s You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) recently eclipsed Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now Or Never” to claim the longest-running No 1. single by a U.S. male solo artist in the U.K.

Warren performed “Ordinary” at the 2025 American Music Awards with a choir, harpist, and moonlit stage. It’s anything but ordinary.

“I am so forever grateful for all the support and will never stop saying thank you,” Warren told Variety about his success. “I wouldn’t have any of this if it weren’t for my fans, so I am so appreciative.” As for what’s next, he teased, “We have a lot up our sleeves for the next few months. I teased a duet with Jelly Roll at Stagecoach called ‘Bloodline’ that we’ll have out soon, as the reaction to that has been amazing. I think that I’ve grown a lot with the songs I’m writing now, and that there’s so much more variety, but it’s all fitting together perfectly for this next project that we’re working on.”

You can watch Alex Warren (who announced new dates on the Cheaper Than Therapy Tour from August until October) perform “Ordinary” at the 2025 AMAs here.

Janet Jackson is one of the most influential musicians of all time. If you don’t believe it, look no further than affirming statements from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, and Lizzo.

Today (May 26) the “Rhythm Nation” singer’s career impact was put on full display at the 2025 American Music Awards. While accepting the Icon Award, Janet Jackson humbly pushed back against the label.

“I don’t consider myself to be an icon,” she said after a dazzling medley performance. “My family, myself–our dreams were never to be famous. We weren’t raised like that. We always had special love for music, dancing and singing. Fame came with the result of hard work and dedication.”

Friend, actress, and producer Tasha Smith, as well as Janet’s background dancer, encouraged her to graciously wear the title. Instead, Janet took a moment to encourage others to pursue their passions. “My story, my family’s story, it’s truly an American story,” she added.

Users online have begun to praise Jackson for using the time on stage to uplift aspiring musicians around the world.

Watch Janet Jackson’s full Icon Award acceptance speech at the 2025 American Music Awards here. View the full winners list for the 2025 American Music Awards here.