2025 Kids’ Choice Awards: 5 Unforgettable Moments That Stole the Show
When Slime Met Stardom
This year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards proved kids’ tastes mirror the mainstream, with Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, and Bruno Mars dominating the music categories – all fresh off Grammy wins. But beyond the predictable wins, these five moments turned the orange carpet event into must-see TV.
1. Rihanna’s Virtual Wisdom Drop
Accepting the Icon Award via video
💎 The Moment: A holographic Rihanna beamed in with sage advice: “Own your space in this world – you’re chosen for greatness.”
🌟 Why It Mattered: The business mogul turned her absence into inspiration, speaking directly to Gen Alpha about self-worth.
2. Sabrina Carpenter’s Clean Promise
Sweeping 3 awards including Favorite Album
🎤 The Speech: “I’ll keep making clean versions for you!” she vowed after winning for Short n’ Sweet – her same Grammy-winning album.
📊 By The Numbers:
- 13 weeks at #1 for “Taste”
- First artist to win both KCA and Grammy for same album
3. Auli’i Cravalho’s Timely Moana Message
Accepting Best Animated Voice
🌊 The Mic Drop: “Moana 2 teaches us to welcome people from faraway shores.”
🌎 The Subtext: A subtle but potent immigration stance at a show typically apolitical.
4. Jack Black’s Double Sliming Spectacle
King of Comedy + Best Actor winner
🤹 The Act: Feigned shock when slimed… then took a second soaking for Minecraft Movie win.
🇲🇽 The Kicker: Shouted “Viva Mexico!” with Nacho Libre co-stars – another unexpectedly loaded comment.
5. MGK & KATSEYE’s Slimed Finale
The night’s only live performances
🎸 MGK’s Family Affair: Daughter Casie introduced his “cliché” before his green baptism.
👯 KATSEYE’s Girl Power: Ice Spice presented the multinational group’s “Gnarly” performance.
The Bigger Picture
While the winners (SZA, Bruno Mars, Wicked) mirrored adult awards shows, these moments revealed:
✅ Kids want authenticity (Rihanna’s advice)
✅ Artists are adapting (Carpenter’s clean versions)
✅ Even kids’ shows can’t escape politics (Cravalho/Black)
Best Dressed: Ariana Grande’s Glinda-inspired pink gown
Most Slime: Jack Black (2 direct hits)
Biggest Snub: Olivia Rodrigo (0 wins despite 5 noms)
*The 2025 KCAs proved that beneath the goo, today’s kids’ awards carry surprising depth – with messages that stick longer than the slime.*