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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
American Music Awards Winners 2025: Billie Eilish Sweeps in All Seven Nominated Categories, Beyoncé and Eminem Take Home Two Apiece
Billie Eilish, Beyoncé and Eminem were just a few of the big winners during the American Music Awards 2025, produced by Dick Clark Productions and broadcast from Las Vegas. Eilish won in all seven categories where she was nominated, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year ('Hit Me Hard and Soft'), Favorite Touring Artist, Favorite Female Pop Artist and Favorite Pop Album ('Hit Me Hard and Soft'). She also won with 'Birds of a Feather' for Song of the Year and Favorite Pop Song. More from Variety How to Watch the 2025 American Music Awards Online American Music Awards Partner With Easy Day Foundation to Honor U.S. Troops And Veterans During Show American Music Awards: Kendrick Lamar Lands a Leading 10 Nominations, Followed by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey Beyoncé picked up two awards, including Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for 'Cowboy Carter.' Post Malone secured his first win in the country category, winning Favorite Male Country Artist, while Eminem won his first AMAs in 15 years for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album ('The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)'). Gracie Abrams was awarded New Artist of the Year, while Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars won Favorite Music Video and Collaboration of the Year for 'Die With a Smile.' Gaga separately reigned in Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist, while Mars scored Favorite Male Pop Artist. Jennifer Lopez returned to host the AMAs for the first time in a decade, opening the evening with a dance medley of 23 of the biggest hits from the past year. Janet Jackson was on hand to accept the Icon Award, giving her first televised performance in seven years. Taking the stage in a white jacket and baggy jeans, she gave a rendition of her hit 'Someone to Call My Lover' (featuring a brief mashup with Mariah Carey's 'Shake It Off'). After wrapping with 'All For You,' Jackson accepted the Icon Award, stating that fame was never the intended result of making music. 'No disrespect in any way, but I don't consider myself an icon. My family, myself, our dream wasn't ever to be famous. We weren't raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing and singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication,' she said. 'My story, my family's story, it's truly an American story. This would have only happened in America. The one thing that I hope for is that I've been an inspiration to others and artists, to follow their dreams and succeed.' Rod Stewart was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from five of his children and closed the show with his classic 'Forever Young.' 'I am absolutely flabbergasted, I didn't know they were here, my children,' he said during his acceptance speech. 'When I started singing in the early 60s, well before all of you lot were here, the reason I got into it was because I had this burning ambition to sing. That's all I wanted to do. I didn't want to be rich or famous, and so many years later, I'm here.' Blake Shelton handled the first performance of the night with his song 'Stay Country or Die Tryin',' while Lainey Wilson kept the country streak going with a rendition of her new single 'Somewhere Over Laredo.' Gwen Stefani gave a medley of her new single 'Swallow My Tears,' accompanied by renditions of 'The Sweet Escape' and 'Hollaback Girl.' Benson Boone brought the backflips for 'Mystical Magical,' while Renee Rapp debuted her new single 'Leave Me Alone.' Gloria Estefan gave a medley of 'Rhythm is Gonna Get You,' 'La Vecina (No Sé Na')' and 'Conga.' Alex Warren sang 'Ordinary,' followed by Becky G teaming up with Manuel Turizo for the first performance of their duet 'Que Haces.' Check out the full list of American Music Awards 2025 winners below: ARTIST OF THE YEARAriana GrandeBillie Eilish (WINNER)Chappell RoanKendrick LamarMorgan WallenPost MaloneSabrina CarpenterSZATaylor SwiftZach Bryan NEW ARTIST OF THE YEARBenson BooneChappell RoanGracie Abrams (WINNER)ShaboozeyTeddy SwimsTommy Richman ALBUM OF THE YEAR Beyoncé 'Cowboy Carter'Billie Eilish 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' (WINNER)Chappell Roan 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess'Charli xcx 'BRAT'Gracie Abrams 'The Secret of Us'Future & Metro Boomin 'We Don't Trust You'Kendrick Lamar 'GNX'Post Malone 'F-1 Trillion'Sabrina Carpenter 'Short n' Sweet'Taylor Swift 'The Tortured Poets Department' SONG OF THE YEAR Benson Boone 'Beautiful Things'Billie Eilish 'Birds of a Feather' (WINNER)Chappell Roan 'Good Luck, Babe!'Hozier 'Too Sweet'Kendrick Lamar 'Not Like Us'Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars 'Die With A Smile'Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen 'I Had Some Help'Sabrina Carpenter 'Espresso'Shaboozey 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)'Teddy Swims 'Lose Control' COLLABORATION OF THE YEARKendrick Lamar & SZA 'Luther'Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars 'Die With A Smile' (WINNER)Marshmello & Kane Brown 'Miles on It'Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen 'I Had Some Help'ROSÉ & Bruno Mars 'APT.'Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone 'Fortnight' SOCIAL SONG OF THE YEAR Chappell Roan 'Hot to Go!'Djo 'End of Beginning'Doechii 'Anxiety' (WINNER)Lola Young 'Messy'Shaboozey 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)'Tommy Richman 'Million Dollar Baby' FAVORITE TOURING ARTISTBillie Eilish (WINNER)Luke CombsMorgan WallenTaylor SwiftZach Bryan FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEOBenson Boone 'Beautiful Things'KAROL G 'Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido'Kendrick Lamar 'Not Like Us'Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars 'Die With A Smile' (WINNER)Shaboozey 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)' FAVORITE MALE POP ARTISTBenson BooneBruno Mars (WINNER)HozierTeddy SwimsThe Weeknd FAVORITE FEMALE POP ARTISTBillie Eilish (WINNER)Chappell RoanLady GagaSabrina CarpenterTaylor Swift FAVORITE POP ALBUMBillie Eilish 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' (WINNER)Chappell Roan 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess'Charli xcx 'Brat'Sabrina Carpenter 'Short n' Sweet'Taylor Swift 'The Tortured Poets Department' FAVORITE POP SONGBenson Boone 'Beautiful Things'Billie Eilish 'Birds of a Feather' (WINNER)Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars 'Die With A Smile'Sabrina Carpenter 'Espresso'Teddy Swims 'Lose Control' FAVORITE MALE COUNTRY ARTISTJelly RollLuke CombsMorgan WallenPost Malone (WINNER)Shaboozey FAVORITE FEMALE COUNTRY ARTISTBeyoncé (WINNER)Ella LangleyKacey MusgravesLainey WilsonMegan Moroney FAVORITE COUNTRY DUO or GROUPDan + Shay (WINNER)Old DominionParmaleeThe Red Clay StraysZac Brown Band FAVORITE COUNTRY ALBUMBeyoncé 'Cowboy Carter' (WINNER)Jelly Roll 'Beautifully Broken'Megan Moroney 'Am I Okay?'Post Malone 'F-1 Trillion'Shaboozey 'Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going' FAVORITE COUNTRY SONGJelly Roll 'I Am Not Okay'Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph 'High Road'Luke Combs 'Ain't No Love in Oklahoma'Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen 'I Had Some Help' (WINNER)Shaboozey 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)' FAVORITE MALE HIP-HOP ARTISTDrakeEminem (WINNER)FutureKendrick LamarTyler, The Creator FAVORITE FEMALE HIP-HOP ARTISTDoechiiGloRillaLattoMegan Thee Stallion (WINNER)Sexyy Red FAVORITE HIP-HOP ALBUMEminem 'The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)' (WINNER)Future & Metro Boomin 'We Don't Trust You'Gunna 'one of wun'Kendrick Lamar 'GNX'Tyler, The Creator 'CHROMAKOPIA' FAVORITE HIP-HOP SONGFuture, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar 'Like That'GloRilla 'TGIF'GloRilla & Sexyy Red 'WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME'Kendrick Lamar 'Not Like Us' (WINNER)Kendrick Lamar & SZA 'Luther' FAVORITE MALE R&B ARTISTBryson TillerChris BrownPARTYNEXTDOORThe Weeknd (WINNER)Usher FAVORITE FEMALE R&B ARTISTKehlaniMuni LongSummer WalkerSZA (WINNER)Tyla FAVORITE R&B ALBUMBryson Tiller 'Bryson Tiller'PARTYNEXTDOOR 'PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4)'PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U'SZA 'SOS Deluxe: Lana'The Weeknd 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' (WINNER) FAVORITE R&B SONGChris Brown 'Residuals'Muni Long 'Made For Me'SZA 'Saturn' (WINNER)The Weeknd & Playboi Carti 'Timeless'Tommy Richman 'Million Dollar Baby' FAVORITE MALE LATIN ARTISTBad Bunny (WINNER)FeidPeso PlumaRauw AlejandroTito Double P FAVORITE FEMALE LATIN ARTISTBecky G (WINNER)Karol GNatti NatashaShakiraYoung Miko FAVORITE LATIN DUO or GROUPCalibre 50Fuerza RegidaGrupo FirmeGrupo FronteraJulión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda (WINNER) FAVORITE LATIN ALBUMBad Bunny 'DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS' (WINNER)Fuerza Regida 'Dolido Pero No Arrepentido'Peso Pluma 'ÉXODO'Rauw Alejandro 'Cosa Nuestra'Tito Double P 'INCÓMODO' FAVORITE LATIN SONGBad Bunny 'DtMF'FloyyMenor X Cris Mj 'Gata Only'Karol G 'Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido'Oscar Maydon & Fuerza Regida 'Tu Boda'Shakira 'Soltera' (WINNER) FAVORITE ROCK ARTISTHozierLinkin ParkPearl JamTwenty One Pilots (WINNER)Zach Bryan FAVORITE ROCK ALBUMHozier 'Unreal Unearth: Unending'Koe Wetzel '9 lives'The Marías 'Submarine'Twenty One Pilots 'Clancy' (WINNER)Zach Bryan 'The Great American Bar Scene' FAVORITE ROCK SONGGreen Day 'Dilemma'Hozier 'Too Sweet'Linkin Park 'The Emptiness Machine' (WINNER)Myles Smith 'Stargazing'Zach Bryan 'Pink Skies' FAVORITE DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTISTCharli XCXDavid GuettaJohn SummitLady Gaga (WINNER)Marshmello FAVORITE SOUNDTRACKArcane League of Legends: Season 2 (WINNER)Hazbin Hotel (Original Soundtrack)Moana 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson and CastTwisters: The AlbumWicked: The Soundtrack • Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Cast FAVORITE AFROBEATS ARTISTAsakeRemaTemsTyla (WINNER)Wizkid FAVORITE K-POP ARTISTAteezJiminRM (WINNER)ROSÉStray Kids Variety parent company PMC owns Dick Clark Productions in a joint venture with Eldridge. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rod Stewart returns to the AMAs stage for a long-overdue tribute
Rod Stewart to be honored at 2025 AMAs , returns to stage after 20 years Rod Stewart is headed back to the spotlight, and fans are ready. For the first time in more than 20 years, the legendary performer will take the American Music Awards stage to perform one of his iconic hits. But the moment will be more than just nostalgic. Stewart is being recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award , an honor celebrating his nearly sixty years of shaping music history . The 2025 AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez , will broadcast live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26 and stream via Paramount Plus in the United States. For Stewart's fans, both longtime loyalists and new-generation admirers, the award marks not just a career milestone but a celebration of an era that helped define rock and pop. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Also read: AMAs red carpet 2025 & reality check: Do artists really get paid to perform or win? A two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Rod Stewart boasts an unmatched catalog of hits. His resume includes 19 platinum and multi-platinum albums in the US and more than 50 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. His chart-toppers like Maggie May , Hot Legs , Forever Young , and Do You Think I'm Sexy have become cultural touchstones. The 79-year-old icon remains one of music's most successful touring acts and shows no signs of slowing down. Live Events Star power and Las Vegas glitz headline the AMAs lineup The 2025 AMAs are set to be one of the biggest nights in music. The show's host, Jennifer Lopez, will perform, joined by artists including Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, Reneé Rapp, and rising star Benson Boone. Janet Jackson will also be honored with the ICON Award and return to the stage for her first televised performance since 2018. Alongside major performances, the AMAs are incorporating heartfelt tributes. In partnership with the Easy Day Foundation, the ceremony will spotlight veterans and active-duty service members through special moments, surprise recognitions, and moving musical dedications. As May is Military Appreciation Month, this collaboration will raise funds and awareness for both local and national organizations supporting the veteran community. Also read: Live Nation's $30 Ticket to Summer is back with cheap concert tix. Check prices and how you can book them Kendrick Lamar leads 2025 AMAs nominations with ten nods Fan voting has closed across most categories, except for Social Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year, which will remain open for 30 minutes after the show begins. Kendrick Lamar leads all nominees with ten nods, followed closely by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey. For those attending in person, tickets to the star-studded show are available now on Ticketmaster. Whether watching from the couch or catching the action live in Las Vegas, the 2025 AMAs are shaping up to be a night to remember.
Epoch Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Country Singer Zac Brown to Receive Veterans Voice Award at 2025 AMAs
Zac Brown, frontman of the Grammy Award-winning country rock group the Zac Brown Band, has dedicated much of his career to serving veterans. In 2011, the singer-songwriter launched Camp Southern Ground, a retreat center based in Fayetteville, Georgia, that offers a variety of programs for former military personnel and children. He also regularly invites vets on stage during his shows to help raise awareness for the men and women who have risked their lives for this country. Brown's unwavering support of the veteran community hasn't gone unnoticed. On Memorial Day, the 46-year-old musician will be honored at the 2025 American Music Awards with the inaugural Veterans Voice Award, given to artists who have used their platforms to make meaningful, lasting impacts on the lives of veterans. 'This award means a lot to me because of the awareness that it's going to create for our veterans programs,' Brown 'The more people that are aware of how deserving these incredible people are, the more help that we can bring to them,' he added. Related Stories 3/1/2025 2/15/2025 'They're such incredible, dynamic people that make a lot of sacrifices, from their family, the quality of their family life when they return home, their mental wellness, all of those things, so that we can be free and able to be here.' The award will be presented by the Easy Day Foundation, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit founded by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay in 2023 that supports veterans in their transition to civilian life. The AMAs, which will air live on May 26 during Military Appreciation Month on CBS and Paramount+, partnered with the organization to highlight the work of former and current military members, all while raising funds for the veteran community. Fertitta told The Epoch Times that presenting the Veterans Voice Award to Brown will be a major highlight of the show. 'We'll also showcase inspiring stories directly from Veterans and active-duty service members, people whose courage defines what this country stands for,' Fertitta said. Viewers can also expect to see 'powerful performances tied into the theme of service, resilience, and unity,' Gyulay added. 'What's most important to us is that Veterans aren't just being talked about, they're being included, front and center. This show is for them. And we hope it sparks a wave of compassion and commitment that lasts far beyond the broadcast.'
Epoch Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
American Music Awards Partners With Easy Day Foundation to Honor Veterans on Memorial Day
The 2025 American Music Awards will honor more than just this year's most influential artists. Airing for the first time on Memorial Day, the fan-voted award show will also pay tribute to some of the nation's greatest heroes— U .S. veterans. The AMAs partnered with the Easy Day Foundation to shine a national spotlight on former military and active-duty personnel while raising funds for the veteran community. Founded in 2023 by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Las Vegas-based grant-making nonprofit helps service members transition to civilian life by providing funding and resources to partner organizations that support veterans. The charity serves as the first official foundation partner of the AMAs, which will air live on May 26 during Military Appreciation Month on CBS and Paramount+. A portion of the award show's ticket sales will benefit the Easy Day Foundation. The program will also feature several in-show fundraising moments for some of the nonprofit's beneficiaries, including the Folded Flag Foundation, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Boot Campaign, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas's Military and Veteran Services Center. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Fertitta said the partnership marks an incredible milestone for his foundation. Related Stories 4/24/2025 10/29/2024 'To now be aligned with the American Music Awards, the world's biggest fan-voted music event, is exactly the kind of platform we've envisioned to fulfill our mission,' he explained. Fertitta, an executive at Red Rock Resorts, said the show will allow the Easy Day Foundation to amplify its message on a broader scale and be a guiding light for patriotism by building 'community, visibility, and tangible support' for the brave men and women who have risked their lives for this country. 'Our mission at the AMAs is to turn inspiration into impact, and that starts with awareness,' he said. 'We want to inspire a new generation of philanthropic leaders and hope that viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of the challenges Veterans face after service and why continued support is so critical.' According to the Moreover, veterans are at an increased risk of developing a substance or alcohol use disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 'That's why our partnership with the AMAs is so important,' Fertitta said. 'It amplifies visibility on Easy Day Foundation's three mission pillars—mental health, job placement, and family support, which directly address the urgent needs of those who have served and sacrificed.' Gyulay noted that his foundation's efforts go far beyond raising awareness for the struggles many veterans face each day. 'It's about action,' he told The Epoch Times. 'Ultimately, real change starts with understanding, and our goal is to shed visibility on the crucial need for support as veterans transition from military to civilian life.' In addition to fundraising opportunities, Gyulay said the 2025 AMAs will also feature special performances tied to themes of service, resilience, and unity. 'What's most important to us is that Veterans aren't just being talked about, they're being included, front and center,' he said. 'This show is for them. And we hope it sparks a wave of compassion and commitment that lasts far beyond the broadcast.' The 2025 American Music Awards, hosted by singer Jennifer Lopez, will air on CBS and Paramount+. Courtesy the American Music Awards Veteran television personality Dick Clark launched the AMAs in 1974. This year's show, hosted by singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, will take place at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a luxury resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The broadcast will mark the award show's return to television for the first time in almost three years, following the expiration of its previous contract with ABC. Presenters will include actress Cara Delevingne, singer Ciara, and comedians Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, and Wayne Brady. A variety of entertainers are slated to take the stage, including country stars Blake Shelton and Lainey Wilson, rising pop-rock star Benson Boone, and Latin pop singer Gloria Estefan, who will be performing at the AMAs for the first time in more than 30 years. Singer-songwriter Janet Jackson is also expected to perform, marking her first television performance in almost a decade. The 11-time AMA-winner will receive the show's prestigious ICON Award, which is given to artists whose music has had a significant cultural and global influence on the music industry. British singer Rod Stewart will take home the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his nearly six-decade career.
Fox News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Country star Zac Brown credits military with providing 'American dream' as he's honored for work with veterans
Print Close By Brie Stimson Published May 22, 2025 Zac Brown is aware of the many sacrifices made by service members and their families. It's why he meets with veterans before his shows and honors them onstage. "They're such incredible people," Brown told Fox News Digital. "Their stories are so inspiring, and getting to bring them up on stage and share just a moment of gratitude with them for that entire crowd, and everyone in the crowd cheering them on and just reminding them that all of their sacrifices are appreciated. I have lots of friends that are in the military. I've lived with a lot of them over the years, and they're just really, truly incredible people. They have the ultimate servant's heart." On Memorial Day, Brown will be honored at the American Music Awards by the Easy Day Foundation with the inaugural Veterans Voice Award for his "unwavering support to the veteran community." "This award means a lot to me because of the awareness that it's going to create for our veterans programs," Brown explained to Fox News Digital. "The more people that are aware of how deserving that these incredible people are, the more help that we can bring to them. VETERANS DAY: DENNIS QUAID, TRACE ADKINS AMONG HOLLYWOOD STARS HONORING OUR MILITARY "They're such incredible, dynamic people that make a lot of sacrifices from their family, the quality of their family life when they return home, their mental wellness, all of those things so that we can be free and able to be here." Brown says many people don't even think of the sacrifices made by service members "just so we can live in such an amazing country where we feel safe. It's an honor and privilege to get to serve them back." The country star founded a camp in Georgia that serves veterans and children more than a decade ago. "We do 34 weeks of veteran programs," he told Fox News Digital. "We serve Bernie Marcus' program Warrior Path at our camp. We were one of the first campuses to be chosen to serve their program. They help with transition to and from service and help serve those with PTSD and other challenges that they find when they come home. And they help them find community and purpose and what their new chapter is going to be like." The camp also has the Warrior Song program through which "we help them to tell their story, which they may not be comfortable telling a civilian. But they get to tell their story with some amazing talented songwriters so that they can sing their story or can play it back to someone and help to share that part of them and get it out of the shadows because a lot of them carry that weight around that they're only willing to share with other fellow soldiers." Camp Southern Ground also hosts a family camp, which Brown says helps service members "see their family as their unit when they come back." "It helps them to have tools. It helps them to be with other veterans and their families as well, and they spend time learning how to see their family as their unit and have the tools to integrate together so that they can have a successful marriage and successful parenthood so that they themselves are well," he explained. "I'm really, really proud of all the things that we're doing there." LEE GREENWOOD ON AMERICA'S VETERANS AND PRIDE IN OUR COUNTRY: 'I HAVE GREAT FAITH' The Veterans Voice Award was created to highlight artists like Brown, who are using their platforms to help veterans. The "Chicken Fried" singer says it's difficult to single out a personal story a service member has told him because he's heard so many amazing anecdotes. "My friend Ollie told me a story about how he thinks about things and how he doesn't ever want his demons to be behind him. He wants them to be chained down in front of him so he can see them and know when they're trying to pull up and get out of their chains, and he knows that he can be aware of that," Brown said. "It's an everyday choice to conquer those things." Other veterans have also told him how much his music meant to them while they were serving. "Our active duty and our veterans provide our security so that we can do that, so that we can live the American dream." — Zac Brown "I've been over several times to play for USO, to play in Iraq and Afghanistan and Kuwait and going out to some of those Ford operating bases where they have not seen anyone that reminds them of home for a really long amount of time," he said. "Some of them had just lost one of their members to an (improvised explosive device), and they were painting his name on a tank when we got there." The band ended up filming the music video for its song "Free" at that base. GARY SINISE HOPES VETERANS SEE HIS NEW MOVIE, 'BROTHERS AFTER WAR' "As soon as we got our guitars out and the speakers out, and we started playing music, it was like a light came on in their eyes and reminded them of what they're fighting for and what they're doing," he explains. "The things that we ask of them. We spent 10 days over there, and they give years and years of sacrifice for our country so that we can be free here and enjoy our lives. Those stories and remembering being around those incredible people, it moves me, and it's important to give thanks and gratitude to the people that protect us." It's especially significant that Brown will be honored on Memorial Day. "It's important that Americans pause on Memorial Day because a lot of people have fought and died and suffered for our freedom, and I'm grateful that the American Music Awards and Easy Day Foundation are making a point of recognizing this during Monday's event," he said. "People can complain about America, complain about whatever, but they haven't gone and lived in other countries," he added. "Most of them haven't gone to live and see what it's like in some of the other places in the world. In America, there are challenges with anything that you're going to do and accomplish, but you can do things here that you cannot do anywhere else." He says people in the United States can "live that American dream no matter what background you're from, no matter what your history was, to create an amazing life for yourself," adding that veterans provide security "so that we can live the American dream. "People can complain about America, complain about whatever, but they haven't gone and lived in other countries." — Zac Brown "Getting to make music for a living is one of the greatest things in my life," he said. "It's such a privilege to get to do what I love to do. And I wouldn't be able to do that if we didn't have the freedoms here that we have and that is due to our veterans and our service people." Brown says his personal connections to the military go "really deep," adding "it's an honor getting to sit down and hear their stories," like Joe Maynard's story about launching a knife company. DONNY OSMOND SAYS UNITED STATES OWES ITS GREATNESS TO MILITARY VETERANS 'PERIOD, FULL STOP' "My buddy Joe Hartbank, who I lived with, to Joe Maynard, who is an incredible guy. He had to do a lot of things that he still kind of suffers from at times, but seeing him find purpose and being able to be a friend for him, getting to lead him into making knives and finding new purpose into things," he explained. "He does all kinds of things now, but such an incredible guy." Hartbank gave Brown a medal he won for saving troops who were under fire in an ambush because of what Brown's music, especially the song "Natural Disaster," meant to him. "It's a privilege to get to know these people," Brown said. "I invite anybody that has a heart for veterans and heart for kids to learn more about Camp Southern Ground. If you don't have a higher purpose other than yourself in your life that you're contributing to, you need to find something like this. and if you want to join forces with us, we'd love to have you." "It's such a privilege to get to do what I love to do, and I wouldn't be able to do that if we didn't have the freedoms here that we have. And that is due to our veterans and our service people." — Zac Brown "It's so much more than a camp," he said. "It's on a university level of quality, the build and everything like that. We've got an incredible staff. We learn every single year about how to be better. It's a privilege to be recognized, but it's a privilege to share the awareness of these things so that we can all figure out how to help each other. God bless America. God bless the people that protect us there." The American Music Awards' collaboration with the Easy Day Foundation, an organization that provides support to veterans transitioning back into military life, will also include two performances and inspirational stories from active-duty service members and veterans. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Money raised for the Easy Day Foundation will also benefit other veterans organizations across the country, including the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Boot Campaign, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Fisher House, The Folded Flag Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Team Rubicon and UNLV's Military and Veteran Services Center. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Easy Day Foundation and its partners. A portion of audience seating at the AMAs will also be reserved for veterans. Print Close URL
