Award-winning journalist and culture writer Christina Lee breaks down this year's American Music Awards

Christina Lee is an award-winning journalist and storyteller who writes mostly about music and culture. (Melissa Alexander)

The world’s biggest fan-voted awards show, the American Music Awards, is returning after a two-year hiatus. This year, the AMAs greet a pop music industry roiling with energy, dramatic beefs, breakout stars and reigning royalty.

The 2025 nominee announcements are out, with Kendrick Lamar carrying the most nominations of any artist, and AMA megastars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé holding their ground. The ceremony airs May 26 on CBS at 8:00 PM Eastern.

“City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Atlanta-based journalist and culture writer Christina Lee, from hit NPR podcasts like “All Songs Considered” as well as “King Slime: The Prosecution of Young Thug and YS,” about this year’s American Music Awards and slate of nominees.