The 2025 MAMA Awards have just wrapped up, and the excitement is palpable—this event is often called the 'Grammys of Asia' for good reason. But here's where it gets controversial: the winners and performances this year sparked plenty of discussion among fans and critics alike. If you’re curious about who took home the top honors and what performances stole the show, keep reading.
One of the most notable victories was IVE clinching the Favorite Global Performer award, a testament to their rising international influence. The awards ceremony, held in Hong Kong, brought together some of the biggest names in the industry, celebrating both established icons and emerging artists.
The new artist category was particularly lively, spotlighting a fresh wave of creative talent. Nominations included acts like AHOF, Allday Project, Baby Don’t Cry, Close Your Eyes, Cortis, Heart2Hearts, Idid, Izna, KickFlip, and KiiiKiii. These names represent a diverse range of styles and genres, illustrating how vibrant and dynamic the current music scene is.
In the solo artist categories, the competition was fierce. The Best Male Artist nominees featured heavy hitters such as Mark, Baekhyun, Jin, G-Dragon, and J-Hope—each bringing their unique flavor to the stage. On the female side, the list included Yuqi, Jennie, Jisoo, Taeyeon, and Rose, all of whom have made significant impacts with their music.
Group categories also drew substantial attention. Among the contenders for Best Male Group were Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Boynextdoor, Enhypen, Riize, Stray Kids, and Zerobaseone—each group known for their powerful performances and dedicated fanbases. For Best Female Group, nominees included Aespa, Babymonster, I-dle, IVE, Le Sserafim, and Twice, showcasing the incredible talent and popularity of girl groups today.
Performance lineups for Day 1 (November 28) include acts like Alpha Drive One, Babymonster, Boynextdoor, Bumsup, Enhypen, Hearts2Hearts, I-dle, IVE, Meovv, Mirror, NCT Wish, Super Junior, Treasure, TWS, and Yeonjun from Tomorrow X Together. On Day 2 (November 29), audiences can look forward to performances from Aespa, All Day Project, Cortis, G-Dragon, Kickflip, Idid, Izna, JO1, Kyoka, Riize, Stray Kids, Tomorrow X Together, and Zerobaseone.
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And this is the part most people miss: the landscape of Asian pop music continues to evolve rapidly, with new artists emerging and established acts redefining their sound. What do you think about the winners this year? Are there any surprises or omissions that stand out to you? Feel free to share your thoughts and join the conversation—these awards always spark spirited debates.
