James Johnson
Fans accuse the duo of misleading viewers after their segments aired on screen instead of live at the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas.
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton found themselves at the center of controversy following the 2025 American Music Awards, after their much-anticipated performances were revealed to be pre-recorded rather than live, prompting disappointment and confusion among fans.
Held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the AMAs were heavily promoted as a coast-to-coast live broadcast. While most artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Lainey Wilson, and Rod Stewart, took the stage in real time, Stefani and Shelton’s appearances were the only pre-taped segments of the night—an omission that didn’t sit well with viewers expecting to see the stars live.
A TikTok video showing Stefani’s medley performance from her Love. Angel. Music. Baby. album projected on a big screen quickly went viral. In the clip, AMAs crew can be seen preparing the stage for the next segment while fans reacted in disbelief. “Why would they say performing live when they aren’t even here??” one user wrote, adding, “We’ve been lied to 😭.”
Shelton’s pre-recorded rendition of his new track “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” drew similar criticism. A TikTok user posted footage of an empty stage with silent band members while Shelton’s video played overhead, sarcastically captioning, “When Blake Shelton is ‘performing’ at the AMAs but there is no sign of Blake Shelton in sight 🫠.”
Adding to the stir, Stefani had spent the days leading up to the ceremony promoting her “live” AMAs performance, teasing rehearsals and celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut solo album. On the day of the show, she also shared a heartfelt birthday message for her son Kingston, leading fans to speculate whether family commitments played a role in her absence from the live event.
Despite the disappointment, the rest of the night featured a strong lineup of live talent. Host Jennifer Lopez impressed with eight costume changes and a powerful stage presence, while icons like Janet Jackson and Gloria Estefan delivered standout moments. Billie Eilish took home the Artist of the Year award, though she was not present to accept it.
While pre-taped performances aren’t new to awards shows, the lack of transparency surrounding Stefani and Shelton’s appearances highlights the growing expectations for authenticity in live events. For now, fans are left with more questions than answers—and the hope that their favorite stars will show up in person next time.
