Kai Cenat was clearly left a bit befuddled by Eminem’s Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist win at Monday night’s American Music Awards.
While Kai was quick to note his respect for Em, whose pair of wins on Monday night marked his first AMAs victories in 15 years, his initial facial expression strongly suggested that he was hoping for a different outcome. Nominated for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist alongside Marshall Mathers were Drake, Future, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator.
Below, we take a closer look.
How did Kai Cenat react to Eminem winning Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards?
When Em’s name was announced, Kai, who also co-presented during Monday night’s AMAs ceremony, first let his facial expression do the talking. Then, he showed love for Em while vaguely questioning his win in this particular category.
“Let’s be real,” he said while on stream. “I fuck with Slim Shady but let’s be real.”
From there, Kai offered more praise for Em while still questioning the win.
“Eminem is tough but let’s be real though, gang,” he said.
How did Eminem react to his American Music Awards win?
“I think it’s been 23 years since I won my first AMA and I’m 24 years old. That’s crazy,” Em, not in attendance for the Vegas ceremony, joked in an acceptance video. “Seriously, man. Thank you to the fans, thank you everybody who voted for me. I appreciate y’all.”
How were winners determined for the 2025 American Music Awards?
The American Music Awards ceremony is billed as “the world’s largest fan-voted music awards show.” Put another way, this means AMAs winners are, per show organizers, “voted entirely by fans.” Initial nominees are determined using streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour grosses.
Who were the other winners at the 2025 American Music Awards?
Billie Eilish took home multiple wins, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. New Artist of the Year, meanwhile, went to Gracie Abrams. Other winners in key categories included Post Malone, Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, SZA, and more. Em’s other victory for the evening was in the Favorite Hip-Hop Album category, which went to his 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).
