Lamar’s lone win of the night was Favorite Hip Hop Song for “Not Like Us.”
CRAIG SJODIN via Getty Images; Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NARAS
In one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 American Music Awards, Eminem emerged victorious in two of the show’s biggest Hip-Hop categories, beating out fellow rap titan Kendrick Lamar in surprising fashion.
The Detroit legend took home Favorite Hip Hop Artist and Favorite Hip Hop Album, an outcome that left many fans stunned and taking social media by storm.
While Kendrick was widely expected to dominate the Hip-Hop field — especially with the critical and commercial success of his 2024 releases — Eminem’s wins reignited long-standing debates regarding who voters favor when choosing the winners of mainstream awards.
Eminem performs before the WBA junior middleweight title bout between Terence Crawford and Israel Madrimov at BMO Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Online reactions were swift and heated, with many expressing their belief that Lamar had been unfairly overlooked.
However, Lamar did not leave empty-handed. His culture-shifting single “Not Like Us” earned the trophy for Favorite Hip Hop Song, marking a significant win amid a string of tough losses in other major categories.
Despite being a top contender, Kendrick Lamar came up short in Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year — all of which went to Billie Eilish.
Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Additionally, his collaborative hit “Luther” with SZA lost Collaboration of the Year to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s chart-topping duet “Die With A Smile”, which also beat “Not Like Us” in the Favorite Music Video category.
The 2025 American Music Awards took place Monday, May 26, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Leading the pack in nominations were Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny, each representing different genres while battling for the night’s top honors.
Kendrick Lamar, winner of the Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year Awards for “Not Like Us” poses in the press room during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Though Kendrick didn’t sweep as many categories as expected, his impact on the year’s music scene remained undeniable — even in the face of some tough AMA losses.
See reactions to Eminem’s American Music Awards wins below.
