Eminem Breaks Kendrick Lamar’s Award Streak in Shocking American Music Awards Upset

Kendrick Lamar’s reign at the American Music Awards has finally met its match, as rap titan Eminem swooped in to claim top honors at this year’s ceremony, leaving fans stunned and the hip-hop world buzzing.

Despite picking up the trophy for Favorite Hip Hop Song with his chart-topping hit “Not Like Us,” Kendrick was otherwise shut out at the AMAs. The Compton superstar was nominated in five other categories, including the coveted Artist of the Year, but was edged out by pop sensation Billie Eilish. Eilish also bested Lamar in both Album of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing her dominance at the event.

The night’s biggest shock came in the hip-hop categories, where Eminem took home both Favorite Hip Hop Artist and Favorite Hip Hop Album, ending Kendrick’s seemingly unstoppable streak. In another twist, Lamar and SZA’s nomination for Collaboration of the Year was beaten by the powerhouse duo of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, whose smash hit “Die With A Smile” also snagged Favorite Music Video, beating out “Not Like Us.”

While the AMAs didn’t go Kendrick’s way, the rapper has been on a record-breaking tear over the past year. His recent performance with SZA on their Grand National Tour in Seattle grossed a staggering $14.8 million, making Kendrick the first rapper in history to break the $14 million mark for a single concert. With nearly 61,000 fans in attendance, it was the most attended show of the tour so far.

Kendrick had already shattered his own record earlier in Dallas, where a performance at AT&T Stadium pulled in $11.8 million in one night. This feat made Lamar the highest-grossing Black man in history for a single live performance, surpassing The Weeknd’s previous record of $9.8 million set at SoFi Stadium in 2022.

The Grand National Tour’s opening night in Minneapolis also set the tone, grossing over $9.1 million from more than 47,000 fans, with an average ticket price of $192.70—another milestone for rap concerts.

Beyond live shows, Kendrick continues to dominate the charts. “Not Like Us” recently became the first rap song ever to spend a full year on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying his legendary status.

Even in defeat, Kendrick Lamar’s influence and achievements remain undeniable, proving that while awards may come and go, records—and legends—are forever.