Gwen Stefani lit up the stage at the 2025 American Music Awards with a nostalgic, high-energy medley celebrating the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The crowd roared as Stefani delivered back-to-back bangers, including the anthemic “Hollaback Girl” and the glittery pop smash “The Sweet Escape.”
But this wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. Stefani also introduced fans to her evolution as an artist, seamlessly blending in “Swallow My Tears,” a powerful new ballad from her latest album, Bouquet, released earlier this month.
A Celebration 20 Years in the Making
Originally released in November 2004, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. marked Stefani’s transition from No Doubt frontwoman to solo pop powerhouse. The album, laced with ‘90s nostalgia, futuristic fashion, and boundary-pushing beats, spawned hits that helped define a generation—and tonight, those songs found new life under the AMAs spotlight.
Dressed in her signature bold style, Stefani commanded the stage with the same sass and swagger that made her a pop icon two decades ago.
“@amas memories ….Looking forward to performing again this year,” she teased on Instagram days earlier, posting a montage of her past AMAs moments, including her 2005 win.
Behind the Scenes and On the Big Stage
Ahead of the big night, Stefani gave fans a glimpse into her rehearsals, soundtracked to her 2006 single “Wind It Up.” The teaser sparked excitement among longtime fans who’ve followed her genre-bending journey from ska-punk rebel to pop trendsetter.
On stage, Stefani proved she hasn’t lost a step. Her vocals were as sharp as ever, her choreography electric, and her charisma undeniable. It was a reminder that few artists can blend nostalgia and reinvention quite like Gwen.
A Star-Studded AMAs Night
While Stefani’s performance was a standout, she was in good company. The 2025 AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, featured powerhouse sets from Janet Jackson (Icon Award honoree), Rod Stewart (Lifetime Achievement Award), Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Reneé Rapp, Benson Boone, and Gloria Estefan.
The show also included a special Memorial Day tribute honoring U.S. troops and veterans through powerful performances and emotional moments that resonated across generations.
Leading the pack in nominations was Kendrick Lamar with 10 nods, followed by Post Malone with eight. Rising stars like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Shaboozey were also among the night’s top contenders.
