---
title: "Billie Eilish takes top prize at American Music Awards"
description: "LAS VEGAS, May 26 (Reuters) - Pop singer Billie Eilish landed the top honor on Monday at the American Music Awards, winning artist of the year at a red-carpet ceremony that hands out trophies based on fan votes."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-05-27-billie-eilish-takes-top-prize-at-american-music-awards/"
published: "2025-05-27T04:38:17"
updated: "2025-05-27T04:38:19"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 200
---

# Billie Eilish takes top prize at American Music Awards

> LAS VEGAS, May 26 (Reuters) - Pop singer Billie Eilish landed the top honor on Monday at the American Music Awards, winning artist of the year at a red-carpet ceremony that hands out trophies based on fan votes.

By Reuters · Published 27 May 2025, 06:38 SAST · Updated 27 May 2025, 06:38 SAST

## Key points
- In a night of star-studded surprises, Billie Eilish soared above the competition to snag an award while on tour, proving that even from afar, her feathered friends can still fly high, while Gracie Abrams celebrated her new artist win with a heartfelt nod to her fans, reminding us all that the light shines brightest when shared.
- Billie Eilish wins top award at the AMAs, beating out heavyweights like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar.
- Eilish expressed her excitement in a video message from her European tour, wishing she could attend.
- Gracie Abrams, named new artist of the year, thanked her fans for their support in her acceptance video.
- The ceremony featured a lively performance by Jennifer Lopez, showcasing 23 hits from the nominees.

## Content

By Sandra Stojanovich and Lisa Richwine

The "Birds of a Feather" singer claimed the prize over other nominees including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen and Zack Bryan.

"This is so crazy. I feel speechless," Eilish said in a video from Europe, where she is on tour. "I wish I could be there tonight."

"That's So True" singer Gracie Abrams, winner of new artist of the year, also sent a recorded video from a location on tour to accept her honor. She thanked her fans, who she said "I have been lucky enough to learn from."

"They have reminded me of the light that exists out there," Abrams said.

SZA took home AMA accolades for female R&B artist and for R&B song for "Saturn." Becky G was named favorite female Latin artist.

The festivities opened with host Jennifer Lopez singing and dancing to a six-minute medley of 23 hits by the nominees. The songs included Billie Eilish's "Birds of a Feather," Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" and Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'Em."

The show was broadcast live on CBS PARA.O from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel.

(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Mary Milliken, Frances Kerry and Stephen Coates)