Eilish, SZA and Gracie Abrams among top winners at AMAs

Billie Eilish was crowned artist of the year at the American Music Awards on Monday night, topping a star-studded list of nominees in a fan-voted event held in Las Vegas.

The 23-year-old singer of "Birds of a Feather" led the night with seven wins, sweeping every category she was nominated in, including album of the year and favourite touring artist. Eilish accepted her awards via video from Europe, where she is currently on tour.

"This is so crazy. I feel speechless," she said. "I wish I could be there tonight."

Eilish released her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, in May 2024.

Newcomer Gracie Abrams, known for her song "That's So True," was named new artist of the year. Like Eilish, she accepted her award with a recorded message.

"They have reminded me of the light that exists out there," Abrams said, thanking her fans. "I have been lucky enough to learn from" them.

Other winners included SZA, who took home two awards: favourite female R&B artist and favourite R&B song for Saturn. Becky G was named favourite female Latin artist.

The ceremony was filled with major wins, though many top nominees were not present. Beyoncé, who was absent, won favourite female country artist and favourite country album for Cowboy Carter, marking her first wins in the country music categories. Post Malone was awarded favourite male country artist.

Kendrick Lamar, who had the most nominations with ten, also skipped the show. He won one award: favourite hip-hop song for Not Like Us. Taylor Swift, also nominated, did not attend.

The show opened with a high-energy performance by host Jennifer Lopez, who sang and danced through a six-minute medley of 23 hits from this year’s nominees. The set included Eilish’s Birds of a Feather, Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, and Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ’Em.

Janet Jackson received the Icon award, a recognition of global influence. On stage, she said, "I don't consider myself an icon. The one thing that I hope for is that I'm an inspiration for others to follow their dreams and succeed."

Rod Stewart, 80, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. He performed his 1984 hit Forever Young and reflected on his early days in music.

"I had this burning ambition to sing," he said. "That's all I wanted to do. I didn't want to be rich or famous."