AMAs 2025 Faces Harsh Backlash: Viewers Label It “The Worst Ever”

29 May 2025

Jennifer Lopez, American Music Awards

The 2025 American Music Awards, held on May 26 at the opulent Fontainebleau Las Vegas, were expected to mark a grand return after a brief hiatus. Instead, they found themselves buried under an avalanche of online backlash, with fans, critics, and media outlets branding it “the worst AMAs ever.” Despite the show's historic reputation as a celebration of popular music and fan-driven voting, this year’s event left viewers scratching their heads over missing stars, pre-recorded performances, and an overall lack of energy.

From the outset, the night struggled to live up to expectations. A major disappointment came from the glaring absence of top-tier talent. Billie Eilish, who swept the evening with seven awards including “Artist of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” and “Song of the Year,” was not present to accept her accolades in person. Instead, her acceptance speeches were recorded in advance from her European tour. Similarly, big-name nominees like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and SZA were all no-shows, leaving fans feeling disconnected from the artists they had voted for.

The situation worsened when it was revealed that several high-profile performances were not live, as initially advertised. Country icon Blake Shelton and pop veteran Gwen Stefani, whose medley performance marked the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., both delivered pre-recorded sets. The show gave no prior indication that these segments would not be performed on-site, leading fans to feel misled. When their footage aired on the big screen instead of a live performance, the audience’s excitement visibly dimmed.

Social media quickly erupted with criticism. X (formerly Twitter) trended with hashtags like #AMAsFlop and #BringBackLive, as fans vented their disappointment. One post read, “This isn’t the AMAs I grew up with. Where’s the live energy, the chaos, the REAL performances?” Many questioned why the AMAs returned at all if the artists weren’t willing to show up, calling it a half-hearted revival of what was once a beloved show.

Even more damning was the overall vibe of the night, which viewers called "low-energy," "disconnected," and “corporate.” The show lacked the spark and spontaneity that award ceremonies typically rely on. With minimal live interactions, even the audience reactions seemed flat, as if the energy had been drained from the room.

Despite the criticisms, the 2025 AMAs did have a few bright spots. Janet Jackson's return to the stage, where she accepted the prestigious Icon Award, was a nostalgic and powerful moment. Her short speech and performance reminded fans of the ceremony’s former glory. Rising star Benson Boone also delivered a standout live performance of his chart-topping ballad “Mystical Magical,” which received praise for its emotional resonance and stage presence. These moments, however, were too few to turn the tide.

The ceremony was hosted by Jennifer Lopez, who did her best to inject life into the proceedings. She delivered heartfelt tributes and tried to energize the crowd, but even her presence couldn’t completely overcome the missing star power and awkward transitions between pre-recorded and live segments. The show was broadcast on CBS and streamed via Paramount+, yet viewership data has reportedly underperformed compared to previous years.

The 2025 AMAs also featured a partnership with the Easy Day Foundation to honor veterans and raise awareness for veteran support programs, adding a meaningful layer to an otherwise underwhelming night.

Looking ahead, the question now being asked across the entertainment industry is whether the American Music Awards still hold a meaningful place in the modern music landscape. In a world where artists frequently engage directly with fans on social media and via livestreams, the appeal of traditional award shows has diminished. Unless future AMAs can bring back the raw, unpredictable excitement of live performances and secure active participation from top artists, the show risks fading into irrelevance.

For many viewers, the 2025 edition wasn’t just a letdown, it was a warning sign. Award shows, especially ones like the AMAs that pride themselves on fan input, need to feel alive. And this year, despite the glitter, it just didn’t.