At the 2025 American Music Awards, held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, SZA took the stage to accept the award for Favorite Female R&B Artist. Her win was one of the night’s expected highlights, but it was what she said after receiving the trophy that sparked a wider conversation. During her speech, SZA paused to acknowledge streamer Kai Cenat and his growing platform, “Streamer University.” The gesture lasted only a few seconds, but it reflected a larger movement within entertainment, one where digital creators are no longer sitting on the sidelines of culture and are now part of the same conversation.

Kai Cenat first gained popularity on Twitch, where his high-energy streams and quick wit helped him stand out. Over time, he began working with well-known hip-hop artists and expanded his content beyond gaming. Now, his streams often include interviews, pop culture moments, and off-the-cuff clips that regularly go viral. “Streamer University,” a series he started partly as a joke, has evolved into a space where people can watch, laugh, and gain insight into how online fame operates today.

The exchange with SZA reflected a shift in the way music and media intersect. As artists like her continue to dominate through traditional avenues - albums, tours, award shows -they’re also increasingly aware of the digital platforms that shape how fans discover and connect with music. Spaces like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok are no longer peripheral; they are central to the way audiences experience culture.

The way we define artists and influencers is changing, and the boundaries between genres, platforms, and roles continue to blur. Coming from SZA, a Grammy winner with one of the most critically acclaimed voices in modern R&B, the gesture carried more weight than a typical shoutout.