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Category: Business

  • Covid19 Business Support

    Covid19 Business Support


    With this lockdown in Auckland seeming to go on forever, it’s a good time to refresh evryone on what support is available and what changes have been made to the support.

    If your business has reduced revenue

    COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme
    The Wage Subsidy Scheme will be available to all businesses while any part of the country is in Alert Levels 3 or 4. For example, while Auckland is in Alert Levels 3 or 4, businesses in Auckland and other parts of the country can apply for the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme.
    You can apply for the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme to help keep paying your staff and protect jobs.
    Businesses must meet the eligibility criteria to apply.
    Businesses and self-employed people must expect a 40% drop in revenue to be eligible to receive the wage subsidy.
    The wage subsidy is paid in a 2 week lump sum. You can get:

    $600 per week for each full-time employee

    $359 per week for each part-time employee

    You cannot get the Wage Subsidy August 2021, Leave Support Scheme and Short-Term Absence Payment for the same employee at the same time.
    If you applied for a Wage Subsidy, you will need to wait 2 weeks after your application before you can apply for the next Wage Subsidy, even if you haven’t received a payment yet.
    To apply for the wage subsidy go to the work and income website.

    COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment
    The COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment helps to cover wages and fixed costs for businesses who have been directly affected when there is an increase to Alert Level 2 or higher for a week or more.
    To be eligible, your business must have experienced at least a 30% drop in revenue or a 30% decline in capital-raising ability over a 7-day period, due to an increase in Alert Levels.

    You can receive $1,500 per business plus $400 per full-time employee (FTE), up to 50 FTE.

    The maximum payment is $21,500.

    If you’re a sole trader, you can receive a payment of up to $1,900.

    Businesses anywhere in New Zealand can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
    You can apply for both the COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment and the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme if you meet all the eligible criteria.
     You can receive all three payments if you are eligible for them.

    Increase to Resurgence Support Payment

    The Government has announced an increase to the Resurgence Support Payment as we transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

    From 12 November 2021, the Resurgence Support Payment will be paid fortnightly.

    • Businesses can receive $3000 per business plus $800 per full-time employee (FTE), up to 50 FTE.

    • The maximum fortnightly payment is $43,000.

    • If you are self employed, or a sole trader you can receive a payment of $3,800.

    The eligibility criteria remains the same.

    The Resurgence Support Payment will continue to be available to businesses anywhere in New Zealand until Auckland moves to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

    Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme
    If you employ 50 or fewer staff, you may be able to apply for the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme. This is a one-off 5 year loan. You can borrow a maximum of $10,000 plus $1,800 per full-time-equivalent employee within your business.

    When applying for the loan, you need to be able to declare that your business is viable.

    Your business must have experienced a minimum 30% decline in actual or predicted revenue over the period of a month, compared with the same month last year.

    Applications are open until 31 December 2023 through myIR. If your business does not have a myIR account, you will need to create one to apply.

    Loans will be interest free if they are paid back within 2 years. The interest rate is 3% for a maximum term of 5 years.


    Help with your tax
    If you are finding it hard to meet your tax obligations due to COVID-19, Inland Revenue may be able to help.


    If an employee needs to self-isolate
    If an employee has been asked to self-isolate by a doctor or health official, they legally must stay home until they are told they no longer need to by public health officials.
    If an employee cannot work from home while self-isolating, you may be able to apply for financial support so they can continue to get paid.
    COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme
    If your employees have been asked to self-isolate and they cannot work from home, you can apply for the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme for them. Employees on a casual contract are also eligible for the payment.
    You can also use the payment to help pay employees who:

    • are sick with COVID-19 and need to isolate until a doctor tells them they no longer need to

    • have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19

    • are at a higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19

    • live with someone who is at high risk of getting sick from COVID-19, and a doctor or health professional has told people in the household to isolate to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to vulnerable household members

    • have been asked to self-isolate by public health officials

    • need to stay home and look after a dependent child who needs support to self-isolate.

    The Leave Support Scheme is paid as a 2 week lump sum at the rate of:

    $600 a week for full-time employees

    $359 a week for part-time employees

    Employers and employees need to meet certain criteria to apply for the Leave Support Scheme.
    This payment is available anytime, and is not restricted to a change in Alert Levels.
    You cannot get the Wage Subsidy August 2021, Leave Support Scheme and Short-Term Absence Payment for the same employee at the same time.

    If an employee is waiting for the result of a COVID-19 test
    If an employee has been asked to get a COVID-19 test, they must stay home until they get a negative result.
    If an employee cannot work from home, you may be able to apply for financial support so they can continue to get paid.
    COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment
    The COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment helps businesses keep paying employees who cannot work from home and:

    • need to stay at home while waiting for a COVID-19 test result

    • need to stay home and look after a dependent child who has been asked to get a COVID-19 test, or

    • live with someone who has been at a location of interest and need to stay home while they wait for the person in the household to get a negative test result.

    Employees on a casual contract are also eligible for the payment.
    You can get a one-off amount of $359 for each eligible worker while they are staying home waiting for test results. The amount is the same for both full-time and part-time employees.
    You can apply for the Short-term Absence Payment any time, not just when there is a risk of community transmission, or change in Alert Levels.
    You cannot get the Wage Subsidy August 2021, Leave Support Scheme and Short-Term Absence Payment for the same employee at the same time.

    Additional support for businesses in Auckland
    As Auckland transitions to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, businesses will be able to apply for up to $3000 worth of advice and planning support, and then receive up to $4,000 to implement that advice through the established Regional Business Partners programme.
    There will also be funding available for businesses to apply for mental health support for their employees.

  • Seven tools for leaders navigating change.

    Seven tools for leaders navigating change.


    I was asked in a panel last night, ‘How are leaders navigating change?’. The answer for many may seem overwhelming.

    It has been a while since I posted and, in that time, there has been much change. But somethings do remain constant. You cannot grow an enterprise or be an influential leader without continually reviewing the tools and strategies that you apply. There is much written about leadership (and I read a lot) but from all of that I wanted to distill some key ideas.

    Here is a list of tools to help leaders navigate the complexities of what business we are currently facing. The good news from last night’s panel was that the economist said in Australia we might have a ‘softening’ of the economy, rather than a recession. But this does not mean that business will be easy in coming months and years. The world has changed and as leaders we need to too.

    Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest leadership tools that are changing the game.

    1. Emotional Intelligence (EI)

    Emotional Intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. This is a critical component of effective leadership, as leaders who can read their team’s moods, respond to their needs, and handle conflicts are better equipped to create a positive and productive work environment. There are several EI tools available, including assessments, workshops, and coaching programs, that help leaders improve their EI skills and build stronger relationships with their teams.

    1. Mindfulness Meditation

    Mindfulness meditation has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Research has shown that mindfulness can help leaders reduce stress, increase focus, and make better decisions. The practice involves paying attention to the present moment and developing a non-judgmental attitude towards one’s thoughts and emotions. By developing a mindfulness practice, leaders can cultivate a sense of inner calm and clarity that allows them to approach challenges with a more balanced perspective.

    1. Design Thinking

    Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the tech and start-up communities. The idea is to put the customer or user at the centre of the problem-solving process, and to use empathy, experimentation, and iteration to come up with innovative solutions. Leaders who use design thinking can tap into the creativity and diverse perspectives of their teams and create products and services that meet the needs of customers in new and exciting ways.

    1. Agile Methodologies

    Agile methodologies have become popular in recent years as organizations strive to become more flexible and responsive to change. The Agile approach is characterized by iterative development, regular check-ins, and close collaboration between team members. Leaders who adopt an Agile mindset can create a more adaptive, flexible, and dynamic work environment, where teams are empowered to take risks, experiment, and continuously improve their processes.

    1. Growth Mindset

    Growth mindset refers to the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. This perspective is a powerful tool for leaders, as it helps them cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and growth. By encouraging their teams to adopt a growth mindset, leaders can foster a sense of resilience and persistence, and create a work environment where everyone is encouraged to take on new challenges and strive for personal and professional growth.

    1. Empathy Mapping

    Empathy mapping is a tool used to understand the emotions, motivations, and needs of a target audience. By creating an empathy map, leaders can gain insights into the experiences and perspectives of their customers, employees, or stakeholders, and design solutions that meet their needs more effectively. Empathy mapping is an important tool for leaders who want to build stronger relationships and create more meaningful connections with their teams.

    1. Gamification

    Gamification is the use of game elements and mechanics to engage and motivate people to achieve their goals. This can be a powerful tool for leaders, as it allows them to turn complex and mundane tasks into engaging and fun challenges. By gamifying their work, leaders can create a more positive and energized work environment, and encourage their teams to develop new skills, take on new challenges, and continuously improve.

    Whether these are just food for thought, or something you will seek more information on. The reality is for leaders navigating change that ‘what got us here is not going to get us there’. If the world has changes then so must we.


    Also published on Medium.

  • Mother-Daughter HBCU Grads Say Its ‘Never Too Late’ For School

    Mother-Daughter HBCU Grads Say Its ‘Never Too Late’ For School


    HBCU grad, mother, daughter

    by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

    June 1, 2025

    The duo sought inspiration from each other to keep going and obtain their degrees.

    A mother-daughter duo turned HBCU graduates are letting others know about their shared purpose of education.

    Angela Jones and Jordyn Jones are the latest graduates of Southern University and A&M College. However, their walks across the stage showcase a different journey, one that symbolizes their homegrown resilience and determination to reach this academic goal.

    “It wasn’t just about walking across the stage,” Jordyn said, according to HBCU Gameday. “It was about walking in purpose — together.”

    The two did not initially plan to always graduate at the same time. The elder Jones had already earned her Bachelor’s degree nearly three decades ago. Despite the gap, Angela sought to prove that the dream had only deferred.

    “I always felt there was more I wanted to achieve academically,” she said. “I wanted to prove to myself and to my daughter that it’s never too late to pursue higher education.”

    While she did not have to return for another diploma alongside her daughter, their journeys lined up for the Jones’ women to support one another through midterms and beyond.

    “Supporting each other through school at the same time was a blessing,” Jordyn said. “We leaned on each other during tough assignments and moments of doubt. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a prayer or just knowing we weren’t alone, we kept each other going.”

    In fact, it was her daughter’s matriculation through undergrad that inspired Angela to enroll back in. What she did not expect, however, was for the younger Jones to then find that drive from her.

    “Her determination inspired me to keep going, even when things felt impossible,” explained Jordyn. “She taught me that with the right mindset and faith, you can overcome anything.”

    This faith and familial support led to both of them accomplishing this feat, doing so together as they forge a new legacy.

    This milestone means everything for our family,” expressed Angela. “It represents generational growth, breaking barriers and proving that dreams can be achieved no matter the circumstances. Growth doesn’t stop at any age. Your goals are still valid, no matter how much time has passed.”

    Now, the Joneses are celebrating their double achievement as educated Black women with HBCU degrees. The mother-daughter duo hope to inspire other families to obtain an education if they feel called back to class.

    RELATED CONTENT: Black Students Are Keeping Graduation Traditions Alive Even As DEI Crackdown Limits The Festivities



  • This 0 MacBook Air Handles Your Hustle Without Complaints

    This $200 MacBook Air Handles Your Hustle Without Complaints


    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    One thing to keep in mind when getting a laptop to support your professional needs is that not every job needs the latest M-series MacBook. If your goal is reliable performance, decent battery life, and that always-satisfying Apple experience—without obliterating your tech budget—this refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (from 2017) might be exactly what you’re looking for.

    At just $199.97, it’s a compelling option for entrepreneurs, frequent flyers, remote teams, or anyone needing a no-fuss, high-functioning laptop. Whether you’re outfitting new hires, building a small remote team, or just need a travel-friendly workhorse for flights and coworking spaces, this deal checks all the right boxes.

    Powered by a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 128GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics 6000, this MacBook Air can easily handle productivity apps, video calls, and browser-based work. The 13.3-inch Retina display (1440×900) gives you enough screen real estate for spreadsheets, docs, or Netflix—no judgment here.

    And with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 12-hour battery, you’ve got the flexibility to work wherever you find a signal and a seat.

    A business-savvy no-brainer

    Sure, it’s not the newest model, but at this price, it’s a smart choice for businesses that are looking to scale or support remote productivity without buying into another $1,000 machine. It’s also ideal as a reliable secondary laptop for traveling professionals who’d rather not risk their $2,000 daily driver at airport security. It’s been cleaned and inspected, and arrives with the possibility of some light scratching or minor blemishes.

    All in all, it’s a legit Apple laptop with great performance, for just $200. You’ll get what you need, save what you don’t, and maybe even impress a client or two with how resourcefully you roll.

    Get a top-quality refurbished Apple MacBook Air for just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping when you order through July 20.

    Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)

    See Deal

    StackSocial prices subject to change.

    One thing to keep in mind when getting a laptop to support your professional needs is that not every job needs the latest M-series MacBook. If your goal is reliable performance, decent battery life, and that always-satisfying Apple experience—without obliterating your tech budget—this refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (from 2017) might be exactly what you’re looking for.

    At just $199.97, it’s a compelling option for entrepreneurs, frequent flyers, remote teams, or anyone needing a no-fuss, high-functioning laptop. Whether you’re outfitting new hires, building a small remote team, or just need a travel-friendly workhorse for flights and coworking spaces, this deal checks all the right boxes.

    Powered by a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 128GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics 6000, this MacBook Air can easily handle productivity apps, video calls, and browser-based work. The 13.3-inch Retina display (1440×900) gives you enough screen real estate for spreadsheets, docs, or Netflix—no judgment here.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

  • Thriving Without Cookies: Ad Targeting That Works

    Thriving Without Cookies: Ad Targeting That Works


    Digital advertising run through ad networks and exchanges traditionally relied on third-party cookies to track people online and personalize ads. However, rising privacy concerns are pushing for moving beyond cookies to personalize user ads. 

    (more…)

  • Salesforce’s B Bet on Informatica Signals the Dawn of Reliable AI Agents

    Salesforce’s $8B Bet on Informatica Signals the Dawn of Reliable AI Agents


    Today’s blockbuster announcement — Salesforce acquiring Informatica for $8 billion — is a monumental leap forward in the world of agentic AI.

    (more…)

  • Nvidia Unveils Foundation Models For Humanoids, Eyes ‘Era of Robotics’ As AI Spend Accelerates – GE HealthCare Techs (NASDAQ:GEHC), GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE)

    Nvidia Unveils Foundation Models For Humanoids, Eyes ‘Era of Robotics’ As AI Spend Accelerates – GE HealthCare Techs (NASDAQ:GEHC), GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE)



    Nvidia Corp. NVDA unveiled its robotics strategy during its first-quarter 2025 earnings call on Wednesday, positioning the chipmaker for what executives called the emerging “era of robotics” as artificial intelligence expands beyond data centers into physical applications.

    What Happened: “The era of robotics is here. Billions of robots, hundreds of millions of autonomous vehicles, and hundreds of thousands of robotic factories and warehouses will be developed,” Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress told analysts during the earnings call.

    The Santa Clara-based company reported record first-quarter revenue of $44.1 billion, up 69% year-over-year, driven by continued demand for its AI chips. Data center revenue reached $39 billion, representing 73% annual growth as customers deployed NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture for reasoning AI applications.

    NVIDIA introduced Isaac Groot, described as “the world’s first open, fully customizable foundation model for humanoid robots, enabling generalized reasoning and skill development.” The platform aims to train robots using synthetic data generated through NVIDIA’s Omniverse simulation environment.

    See Also: Ross Gerber Blasts Trump For ‘Destroying’ Nvidia’s China Business — Gene Munster Says ‘Forget About The China Curbs’ Because The Chip Giant’s Core Business Is ‘On Fire’

    Why It Matters: Leading robotics companies, including Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Figure AI are already integrating NVIDIA’s technologies. GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GEHC is using the new NVIDIA Isaac platform for robotic imaging and surgery systems development.

    CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the strategic importance of robotics during the call, noting that future manufacturing plants will require “AI factories” to operate robotic systems.

    Price Action: Nvidia Corp.’s stock closed at $134.81 on Wednesday, down 0.51% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock rose sharply by 4.89% to $141.40. Year to date, Nvidia shares are down 2.53%.

    NVDA stock enjoys strong momentum, growth, and quality, but performs poorly on valuation metrics, according to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. The stock shows a positive price trend across the short to long term. Here is the full stock breakdown.

    Read Next:

    Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

    Photo courtesy: Jack Hong / Shutterstock.com

    May 29, 2025
  • Covid19 Business Support

    Resurgence Support Payment & Wage Subsidy


    I’ve had a few queries about these support payments lately, especially how to calculate the revenue drop. Remember that it is also a requirement to keep records of how this information has been calculated.

    If you use Xero, creating the required reports is really simple however if you use MYOB or another software creating the reports can be quite difficult. You may need to run separate P&L’s as they do not let you add the correct comparison periods.

    This requires your business to show a 30% drop in revenue over a 7-day period after an alert level change and you also need to meet the other eligibility criteria. This revenue drop is compared to a typical 7 day period within 6 weeks prior to the alert level increase. If your business is seasonal you will need to compare this to a similar week in the previous year to show the 30% decrease.

    There are currently 5 RSP’s open. If you haven’t applied for any payments and your business was eligible you can apply for all 5 now. Check the IRD Website to see what dates each payment covers.

    If your business is GST Registered you need to include the RSP in your GST return.

    For those using Xero navigate to the Profit & Loss report. Set the date range for a 7 day period (e.g. 24th August to the 31st August) and add comparison periods. For the August dates this would be 7 periods to show the 6 periods prior to the 17th August. This report can be run on cash or Accrual basis depending on how your business works, Hospitality businesses would be based on daily sales so cash basis whereas a business that invoices it’s clients for payment later could run on accrual basis. This report can then be exported and published to save as evidence of the revenue drop.

    To apply for the Wage Subsidy your business needs to show a 40% drop in revenue over a 14 day period (e.g. 17 august 2021 – 30 August 2021), and this needs to be compared to a typical consecutive 14 day period in the 6 weeks prior to the alert level increase on the 17th August.

    The Wage subsidy opens every 2 weeks and you need to reapply every 2 weeks. Don’t apply early or this will not be approved and you can’t apply for any previous wage subsidies as these have a close date. There is no GST in the wage subsidy so ensure that this is not included in your GST return.

    You can run the same reports as above for the RSP however just change the date range to a 14 day period and save the reports. MSD and IRD do ask for more information if you business is new and you haven’t filed a return before or if they want to check that you aren’t applying for the support payment when you aren’t entitled to them.

    Make sure you run your reports and ensure that you are entitled to the support before applying. Check close dates for Wage subsidies and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss out. Also the Resurgence support payments may come to an end when we move to the traffic light system so ensure you have applied if you business is suffering as these support payments could end at the end of November.

  • Will Shark Tank Do the job?

    Will Shark Tank Do the job?


    The job of Shark Tank is to deliver customers, audiences and excitement to budding entrepreneurs, and of course the Sharks invest their time, energy and money in helping them be ready for their ‘moment in the sun’. However with only 237,000 viewers for the first episode of this current series I am disappointed for all concerned. Smart Company asked me to write a piece of advice and reflection as the show moves to a different phase. I have re posted here.

    On the cusp of a new season of Shark Tank it has given me a moment to reflect on Angel Investing in Australia. What works and what doesn’t work…. And it all starts with the ‘pitch’… but once that is over then the critical piece for any business is its ability to find customers (or audiences) cost effectively.

    PITCH PREPARATION

    It is said ‘never forget that you only have one opportunity to make a first impression – with investors, with customers, with PR and with marketing.’

    I am in the fortunate position of having seen hundreds of ideas pitched, both as a Shark Tank investor and as an angel investor in a variety of industries. The one question that always sits in the back of my mind is ‘how big is the customer base for this idea?’ And can you find them cost effectively.

    The level of investment being sought may well determine the overall approach. It does not matter who is being pitched to – remember that heart is just as important as the head. It is often the passion of the founder that encourages those listening (or reading) to be engaged and interested to begin the journey of investment.

    If you are pitching, then research who you’re pitching to. Every potential investor has a different reason for investing. What do they believe in? What is their background and experience? What is their area of expertise? Do the work and find out as much as you can about the people behind the ‘investor’ label.

    People do business with people, and investors invest in people.

    FINDING CUSTOMERS

    Shark Tank has a special place in many people’s hearts. We love the concept that someone with an idea can make it big. We love to watch people put their hearts on their sleeves, risk it all to show Australian audiences what is possible. I read a statistic once that 9 out of every 10 adults in Australia has a business idea – but does not know what to do with it.

    When I think about the role of angel investors, it is not just the experience, contacts and business know how that the right investor provides it is also audience. I think of the wonderful Remarkable Accelerator program and the reason that it works is that inventors, founders and scientists have access to the greater community through the Cerebral Palsy Alliance – a ready-made customer base. If you are bringing a disability invention to market then you can test, fine tune, and ultimately sell your product to a very accessible audience.

    People pitching on Shark Tank come with a similar expectation. That on the night that their episode appears people will be watching. This is why the show works in the US, they have massive audiences, and if the product is ready, they will sell millions on the night. It is the job of the network to deliver audience and customers to the investors and the inventors – it is an essential part to make the concept work.

    I will be watching with my fingers crossed hoping that the network does its job in what is the Aussie dream of invention.

    Let the great game of business begin, and let’s hope they find the audiences and customers needed to make Shark Tank Australia viable.

     


    Also published on Medium.

  • Kendrick Lamar Loses To Eminem At American Music Awards

    Kendrick Lamar Loses To Eminem At American Music Awards


    Kendrick Lamar Loses To Eminem At American Music Awards

    by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton

    May 28, 2025

    However, the Compton rapper did win for Favorite Hip-Hop Song with ‘Not Like Us’

    Despite having what many may consider the song of the century, Kendrick Lamar lost to Eminem in two hip-hop categories at the American Music Awards.

    According to Billboard, the Detroit recording artist bested the feuding hip-hop enemies, Lamar and Drake, as well as Future and Tyler, The Creator to emerge victorious in the Favorite Hip-Hop Artist category and also won Favorite Hip-Hop Album over Future & Metro Boomin, Gunna, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator. However, the Compton rapper did win for Favorite Hip-Hop Song, beating himself over two other songs he recorded and GloRilla’s two songs, one featuring Sexyy Red. He was nominated for 10 AMAs.

    This was Eminem’s first win in over ten years at the award show. His last award was given to him in 2014 for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop album. He wasn’t in attendance to accept the award, but a taped message was shown to the audience at the ceremony.

    “AMAs, what’s up? Favorite male hip-hop artist, thank you, I appreciate that. I think it’s been 23 years since I won my first AMA, and I’m 24 years old. That’s crazy. Seriously, man, thank you to the fans. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I appreciate y’all. Thank you so much.”

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, country music star Beyoncé won two awards for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album. Lamar’s tour mate, SZA, won AMAs for Favorite R&B Song and Favorite Female R&B Artist.

    Doechii took one home for Social Song of the Year

    Janet Jackson received the Icon Award and performed some of those iconic songs from her catalog, and spoke to the audience after getting the honor.

    “I’m so grateful. I mean, 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.”

    A full list of winners appears below:

    2025 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

    Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish

    New Artist of the Year: Gracie Abrams

    Album of the Year: Billie Eilish “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”

    Song of the Year: Billie Eilish “Birds of a Feather”

    Favorite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish

    Favorite Music Video: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars “Die With a Smile”

    Favorite Male Pop Artist: Bruno Mars

    Favorite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish

    Favorite Pop Album: Billie Eilish “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”

    Favorite Pop Song: Billie Eilish “Birds of a Feather”

    Favorite Male Country Artist: Post Malone

    Favorite Female Country Artist: Beyoncé

    Favorite Country Duo or Group: Dan + Shay

    Favorite Country Album: Beyoncé “COWBOY CARTER”

    Favorite Country Song: Post Malone Feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help”

    Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem

    Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist: Megan Thee Stallion

    Favorite Hip-Hop Album: Eminem “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)”

    Favorite Hip-Hop Song: Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us”

    Favorite Male R&B Artist: The Weeknd

    Favorite Female R&B Artist: SZA

    Favorite R&B Album: The Weeknd “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

    Favorite R&B Song: SZA “Saturn”

    Favorite Male Latin Artist: Bad Bunny

    Favorite Female Latin Artist: Becky G

    Favorite Latin Duo or Group: Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda

    Favorite Latin Album: Bad Bunny “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”

    Favorite Latin Song: Shakira “Soltera”

    Favorite Rock Artist: Twenty One Pilots

    Favorite Rock Album: Twenty One Pilots “Clancy”

    Favorite Rock Song: Linkin Park “The Emptiness Machine”

    Favorite Dance/Electronic Artist: Lady Gaga

    Favorite Soundtrack: Arcane League of Legends: Season 2

    Favorite Afrobeats Artist: Tyla

    Favorite K-Pop Artist: RM

    Collaboration of the Year: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars “Die With A Smile”

    Social Song of the Year: Doechii “Anxiety”

    RELATED CONTENT: Academy Of Country Music Awards Snub Beyoncé