Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 82° Today's Paper


Breaking News

Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift compete for American Music Awards

REUTERS/DANIEL COLE/FILE PHOTO
                                Taylor Swift poses on the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 2. Super Bowl headliner and Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar faces off with Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and other artists today at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas.

REUTERS/DANIEL COLE/FILE PHOTO

Taylor Swift poses on the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 2. Super Bowl headliner and Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar faces off with Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and other artists today at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Super Bowl headliner and Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar faces off with Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and other artists today at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Rapper Lamar leads the field of contenders with 10 nominations. The red-carpet show will be broadcast live on CBS starting at 8 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Hawaii time), and singer Jennifer Lopez will host.

Winners of the AMAs are selected by fan votes. The top prize, artist of the year, pits Lamar against pop superstar Swift, who has earned more AMAs – 40 – over her career than any other musician. She is also coming off the highest-grossing concert tour in history.

Others in the running for artist of the year are Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Morgan Wallen, Billie Eilish, Zack Bryan and SZA.

“Not Like Us,” Lamar’s ubiquitous diss track from his longstanding feud with Canadian rapper Drake, is contending for song of the year. Drake has sued Universal Music Group for defamation over its release. Lamar performed “Not Like Us” at February’s Super Bowl, and the song won five Grammys.

Among other AMA nominees, Post Malone is vying for eight awards, including favorite male country artist and favorite country album for “F-1 Trillion.” He previously won AMAs in rap/hip hop and pop/rock categories.

Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter,” winner of the top award at this year’s Grammys, was nominated for album of the year and favorite country album at the AMAs. She also is nominated for favorite female country artist.

During the ceremony, Janet Jackson will be honored with the Icon award, an accolade for artists with global influence, and Rod Stewart will receive a lifetime achievement award.

Performers will include Lopez, Jackson, Stewart, Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Lainey Wilson.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.