Fans of Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton were left surprised at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) when the performances by the musical couple were discovered to be pre-recorded. The live audience and viewers at home were treated to videos of the pair’s performances instead of live renditions during the event. Fans attending the show took to TikTok to share their observations, showcasing clips of Shelton singing his hit song “Stay Country or Die Tryin'” and Stefani performing a medley from her ‘Love. Angel. Music. Baby.’ album.
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In one TikTok video, a fan captured the moment when Shelton appeared on a big screen on stage, dressed in a blue striped shirt and jeans, while singing his song. The footage revealed that while the performance was playing on-screen, stage crew members were setting up for the next segment of the AMAs. Similarly, another fan shared a video of Stefani’s performance, showing the singer in a pre-recorded clip singing “The Sweet Escape” and her latest hit “Swallow My Tears.” The audience member expressed disbelief in the caption, questioning why the performers were touted as live when they were not physically present.
Despite not performing live on stage, Shelton was shown introducing Stefani’s performance, where he praised her for celebrating the 20th anniversary of her earlier AMA win by performing her greatest hits. The couple’s performances were part of a lineup that included live acts such as Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, and Jennifer Lopez, who hosted the event. Winners of the night included Billie Eilish, who took home multiple awards, and Gracie Abrams, who was named “New Artist of the Year.”
The AMAs were held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with a mix of live and pre-recorded segments. While some fans were taken aback by the discovery that Stefani and Shelton’s performances were not live, others appreciated the opportunity to see their favourite artists on stage, albeit in a different format. The event featured a diverse range of performances, with artists like Benson Boone, Gloria Estefan, and Becky G taking the stage alongside the more established names in the industry.
The use of pre-recorded performances at live events is not uncommon in the entertainment industry, as it allows for greater control over technical aspects and ensures a polished presentation for viewers. While some fans may prefer the spontaneity and energy of live performances, others understand the logistical challenges that artists and event organisers face when putting together a large-scale production. The revelation about Shelton and Stefani’s pre-recorded performances at the AMAs invites a discussion about the intersection of live entertainment and technological advancements in the modern era.
As fans continue to share their experiences and reactions to the AMAs, it is clear that the event sparked a mix of excitement and surprise among attendees. The performances by Shelton and Stefani, while not live in the traditional sense, still managed to captivate audiences and showcase the talent of the musical duo. As the music industry evolves and embraces new methods of engagement, the use of pre-recorded performances at live events may become more prevalent, blurring the lines between what is considered a live show and what is pre-planned for an optimal viewing experience.