Sabrina Carpenter emerged as the standout star at the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, securing three coveted Orange Blimp trophies. Her wins included favorite female breakout artist, favorite album for Short n’ Sweet, and favorite song for “Taste.” This marked a significant achievement for Carpenter, whose album not only topped the Billboard 200 for four weeks but also clinched the Grammy for best pop vocal album. The song “Taste,” despite its edgy nature for a youth audience, soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The event, hosted by Tyla, took place live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on Saturday, June 21. Tyla, who also won the favorite global music star award, captivated the audience with a dance celebration of the summer’s hottest tracks and concluded the night with a traditional sliming, much to the delight of fans.
Rihanna Honored with ICON Silver Blimp
In a historic moment, Rihanna was awarded the first-ever ICON Silver Blimp Award, recognizing her multifaceted contributions to entertainment, beauty, and activism. Her acceptance speech, delivered from the enchanting Smurf Village, was followed by a spectacular wave of blue slime that drenched the audience, adding a memorable touch to the ceremony.
SZA, Ariana Grande, and Jack Black were among the double winners of the night. SZA took home awards for favorite female artist and favorite music collaboration for “Luther,” her hit collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande was celebrated for her role in Wicked, winning favorite movie actress and favorite song from a movie for “Defying Gravity.” Jack Black, honored as favorite movie actor for his role in A Minecraft Movie, also received the King of Comedy award, presented by his Nacho Libre co-stars.
Newcomers and Veterans Shine
Bruno Mars, Stray Kids, and SZA celebrated their first wins in their respective categories, with Mars winning favorite male artist and Stray Kids taking home the favorite music group award. Benson Boone was named favorite male breakout artist, while Selena Gomez and benny blanco’s “Bluest Flame” won favorite viral song.
The show featured musical performances from mgk and KATSEYE, each introduced by notable figures, and both acts ended with the iconic sliming. Celebrities such as Malia Baker, benny blanco, and Kylie Cantrall, among others, made appearances, adding star power to the event.
Full List of Winners and Highlights
The Kids’ Choice Awards, produced by Nickelodeon Productions, will have encore presentations on Nickelodeon and its sister networks. The show is also available for streaming on Paramount+. Executive producers included Ashley Kaplan and Paul J Medford, with direction by James Merryman.
Below is a summary of the night’s winners:
- Favorite Song: “Taste” – Sabrina Carpenter
- Favorite Album: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
- Favorite Female Artist: SZA
- Favorite Male Artist: Bruno Mars
- Favorite Music Group: Stray Kids
- Favorite Music Collaboration: “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
- Favorite Female Breakout Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Favorite Male Breakout Artist: Benson Boone
- Favorite Global Music Star: Tyla
- Favorite Song From a Movie: “Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo (ft. Ariana Grande)
- Favorite Viral Song: “Bluest Flame” – Selena Gomez, benny blanco
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards not only celebrated the achievements of artists across various genres but also highlighted the evolving landscape of entertainment where new talents emerge alongside seasoned stars. As the industry continues to grow, the awards serve as a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of popular culture.
With the successful conclusion of this year’s event, anticipation builds for next year’s awards, promising more surprises, performances, and, of course, the beloved sliming tradition.
