AMAs 2025 livestream: How to watch the American Music Awards online or on TV, including free options

It’s time to celebrate your favorite singers and musical acts by tuning into the American Music Awards tonight (Monday, May 26, 2025) at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Unlike the Grammy Awards, the AMAs put the power in the hands of the fans. As explained on the AMA website, nominations are based on “key fan interactions” such as record sales, number of streams, and tour revenue, while the winners are voted on by the public at large.

While most of the polls are closed, there is still time to cast your vote for the Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year. Let’s get up to speed so you can enjoy all the music.

Have the AMAs always been on Memorial Day?

For the first time ever, the AMAs are being held on Memorial Day, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. To honor our fallen soldiers, the AMAs are partnering up with the Easy Day Foundation. This nonprofit works to help surviving veterans make the transition to civilian life.

Several segments on the broadcast will focus on veterans’ issues and raise money for various organizations working with the community.

Who is hosting the 2025 AMAs?

Jennifer Lopez is back for her sophomore year of hosting this celebration of music. She previously did the honors in 2015 and opened the show with “Waiting for Tonight” from her debut studio album, On the 6. 

Who is nominated for an AMA?

Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 10 nominations. Post Malone boasts eight nominations. Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey all have seven chances to win.

Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Taylor Swift, and Zach Bryan will battle it out for Artist of the Year.

New kids on the block Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, and Tommy Richman will compete for New Artist of the Year.

Beyond the competitive categories, music will honor some of the greats.

Rod Stewart is scheduled to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and give fans a performance treat. Janet Jackson will receive the Icon Award for her impressive body of work and hit the stage for her first television performance since 2018.

Who is performing at the 2025 AMAs?

Many other performers besides Jackson and Stewart will sing their hearts out.

• Benson Boone will give fans a sneak peak of his upcoming album American Heart by performing the single, “Mystical Magical.”
• Gwen Stefani will perform a medley from her 2004 debut solo album Love.Angel.Music.Baby to mark its 20th anniversary.
• Gloria Estefan will take to the AMAs for the first time in 32 years to celebrate her 50-year career.
• Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp are also getting in on the action.

What’s the Taylor Swift rumor about the AMAs?

The Swiftie rumor mill is working overtime. Many believe that Taylor Swift will announce the release of Reputation (Taylor’s Version) sometime during the broadcast.

Their theory is based on precedent—Swift has announced other albums at award shows: the recent addition to the Handmaid’s Tale soundtrack, a snake necklace, and other easter eggs.

How can I watch or stream the AMAs live?

To see if Swifties are right, you’re going to have to tune into CBS.

This is the first time that the network has had the pleasure of broadcasting the ceremony, which was previously on ABC and not on the air since 2022.

If you have a traditional cable subscription, you’re covered: You can watch CBS on your TV or via the CBS website.

Don’t forget, you can also watch CBS for free with an over-the-air antenna.

Cord-cutters can turn to Paramount+ With Showtime to stream the telecast.

Some live-TV streaming services also include CBS, including YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. Remember, these services have some regional restrictions.

Additionally the websites for Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, WWD, Deadline, Vibe, IndieWire, and Gold Derby will utilize Harmony, Penske Media’s livestreaming platform, for your viewing pleasure. 

If you were too busy with a BBQ to tune in, never fear. The show will be re-aired on multiple days across a number of different stations.

You can catch it on MTV on Tuesday, May 27, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, or on CMT on Wednesday, May 28, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, or on BET on Thursday, May 29, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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