SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Sabrina Carpenter emerged as the top winner at the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, securing three prestigious Orange Blimp trophies. Carpenter’s triumphs included favorite female breakout artist, favorite album for Short n’ Sweet, and favorite song for “Taste.”
Immediate Impact
The awards ceremony, hosted by Tyla, was broadcast live on Saturday, June 21, from Barker Hangar. Carpenter’s album Short n’ Sweet not only topped the Billboard 200 for four consecutive weeks but also clinched a Grammy for best pop vocal album. Her hit song “Taste” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, despite its risqué nature by Kids’ Choice standards.
Key Details Emerge
Tyla, who led the event with a vibrant dance celebration and concluded with a signature sliming, also won favorite global music star. The show featured a special moment as Rihanna received the inaugural ICON Silver Blimp Award, recognizing her contributions to entertainment, beauty, and activism. She accepted the award from Smurf Village, delighting the audience with a wave of blue slime.
SZA, Ariana Grande, and Jack Black were notable double winners of the night.
By the Numbers
SZA was honored as favorite female artist and for favorite music collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “Luther,” a track that dominated the Hot 100 for 13 weeks. Ariana Grande took home awards for favorite movie actress and favorite song from a movie, while Jack Black was celebrated as favorite movie actor and received the King of Comedy award.
Industry Response
Bruno Mars, Stray Kids, and SZA each celebrated their first wins in their respective categories, marking a significant moment in their careers. The show also highlighted emerging talents, with Benson Boone winning favorite male breakout artist and the viral song “Bluest Flame” by Selena Gomez and benny blanco taking a top honor.
Musical Performances and Celebrity Appearances
The event featured performances by MGK and KATSEYE, both culminating in the show’s trademark sliming. A plethora of celebrities, including Malia Baker and Kylie Cantrall, graced the event, adding to its star-studded allure.
What Comes Next
The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2025 will have encore presentations on various dates and times across Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, and TeenNick, and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ starting June 22.
Produced by Nickelodeon Productions, the show was directed by James Merryman and featured a team of executive producers, including Ashley Kaplan and Guy Carrington.
Background Context
The Kids’ Choice Awards have long been a staple in recognizing popular culture and youth entertainment. The 2025 edition continued this tradition with a diverse array of categories spanning music, television, and film, showcasing both established stars and rising talents.
Future Implications
As the entertainment industry evolves, the Kids’ Choice Awards remain a barometer for youth trends and preferences. The recognition of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and SZA underscores a shift towards diverse musical influences and the growing impact of social media on music consumption and popularity.
The event’s success signals continued enthusiasm for interactive and engaging award shows, setting the stage for future iterations that will undoubtedly reflect the ever-changing landscape of entertainment.