The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 marked an unforgettable celebration of pop culture, entertainment, and creativity. Held on June 21, 2025, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, this star-studded event featured live performances, surprise moments, and the coveted Orange Blimp trophies handed out to beloved TV shows, movies, music, and more. Hosted by Grammy-winning global superstar Tyla, the ceremony brought together children, families, and fans for a spectacular summer party filled with slime, skateboarding stunts, magical disappearances, and legendary collaborations. Highlights included Rihanna receiving the inaugural ICON Silver Blimp Award, comedy legend Jack Black being honored as the "King of Comedy," and numerous musical acts delivering high-energy performances. The awards recognized top talent across various categories, making it a night to remember.
Tyla set the tone for the evening with an electrifying "Best of Summer" dance performance accompanied by benny blanco's DJ set, featuring Smurfette making a special appearance. Skateboarding icons Tony Hawk and Katelyn West thrilled the audience with their daring tricks before presenting the award for "Favorite Kids TV Show" to The Thundermans: Undercover. Cast members Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin accepted the accolades while getting slimed during their acceptance speeches for "Favorite Male TV Star (Kids)" and "Favorite Female TV Star (Kids)." Meanwhile, Nickelodeon Our World showcased how skateboarding empowers local youth to create positive change within their communities.
Magic took center stage when SeanDoesMagic vanished through a portal in the Slime Lounge, reappearing at Nickelodeon Universe inside Mall of America. Audience members participated in voting which ride he should embark upon, ultimately choosing the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge. In another highlight, Rihanna became the first recipient of the ICON Silver Blimp Award, celebrated for her contributions to entertainment, fashion, and humanitarian efforts. Accepting from within the enchanting Smurf Village, she unleashed waves of blue slime onto the crowd—a first in KCA history.
Celebrity appearances abounded throughout the show, including Malia Baker, Kylie Cantrall, Terry Crews, Young Dylan, Brie Garcia, Maia Kealoha, Kel Mitchell, Daniella Monet, Renee Montgomery, Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and many others. Musical performances captivated viewers with mgk's rendition of "cliché" and KATSEYE's presentation of "Gnarly," both culminating in massive slime cannons firing into the air. Additionally, Samantha Lorraine and Jacob Rodriguez embarked on an interactive adventure searching for Dora’s missing Backpack, engaging audiences who voted on its location via live polls.
As the grand finale unfolded, Tyla closed the show with an epic sliming spectacle that left everyone drenched but smiling. Winners spanned multiple categories such as television, film, music, sports, and digital creators. Notable victories went to The Thundermans: Undercover for "Favorite Kids TV Show," Wicked for "Favorite Movie," SZA for "Favorite Female Artist," and Salish Matter for "Favorite Female Creator." Encore broadcasts aired on Nickelodeon channels and Paramount+, allowing fans additional opportunities to relive the excitement.
This annual extravaganza not only celebrated fan favorites but also highlighted the impact of influential figures like Rihanna and Jack Black. Through dynamic performances, heartwarming tributes, and unexpected surprises, the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 united viewers worldwide in shared joy and admiration for today's most cherished talents. As sponsors Instacart and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds supported the event, it became clear why this ceremony remains one of the most anticipated nights on the entertainment calendar year after year.
