Alex Warren was crowned breakthrough of the year at the inaugural TikTok Awards, which were presented at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Thursday (Dec. 18). The “Ordinary” hitmaker proved not so ordinary, coming out on top in a stacked category that also included KATSEYE, Laufey, Ravyn Lenae and sombr.
This is Warren’s second new artist win. He won best new artist at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7. He’s also nominated for best new artist at the upcoming Grammy Awards, where he is again squaring off again KATSEYE and sombr, as well as Olivia Dean, The Marías, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas and Lola Young. The winner will be crowned on Feb. 1.
In other categories at the TikTok Awards, Paris Hilton was named Muse of the Year, while LawbyMike won the I Was Today Years Old Award.
Ciara performed a medley which included “Ecstasy” from her newest album CiCi as well as such hits as “Goodies,” “1, 2 Step” and “Like a Boy.” The show opened with a performance led by Mikey Angelo. Gold-medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa reprised their Dancing with the Stars pairing during Recap Guy’s performance.
Ahead of the show, there was a live pre-show hosted by correspondents Dylan Kevitch, Hannah Kosh, and Taylor King.
In the spirit of Creator of the Year winner Keith Lee, TikTok is making a $50,000 donation to Feeding America.
The show streamed on @TikTok and on Tubi, the official streaming partner of the TikTok Awards 2025. The ceremony will also be available on demand the next day on Tubi.
Here are the nominees in key categories at the first TikTok Awards, with winners marked.
Creator of the Year
Video of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Storyteller of the Year
TikTok for Good Award
My Show is On Award [Film & TV]
MVP of the Year [Sports]
Okay Slay Award [Fashion/Beauty]
Immediately Added To Cart Award
CapCut Creator of the Year
TikTok Live Creator of the Year
Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox