Introduction to the American Music Awards
The American Music Awards (AMAs) have been a staple in the music industry since their creation by Dick Clark in 1974. Initially, the show was designed as a replacement for the Grammys on ABC, but over the years, it has evolved into a unique entity that celebrates the most influential artists of today, with winners determined by fan votes.
A New Partnership
CBS has expanded its partnership with Dick Clark Productions, sealing a new five-year contract to keep the American Music Awards on the network and Paramount+ starting from 2026. This deal comes after the successful broadcast of the 2025 AMAs, which was hosted by Jennifer Lopez and reached over 10 million viewers, making it the largest AMA audience since 2019.
The 2025 American Music Awards
The 2025 AMAs marked a revival of the award ceremony after a brief hiatus in 2023 and 2024. The event, which took place on May 26, 2025, featured performances by Janet Jackson, Alex Warren, Becky G, and Manuel Turizo, among others. The show also honored Rod Stewart with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Janet Jackson with the Icon Award.
The New Deal
The new contract between CBS and Dick Clark Productions will see the AMAs broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ starting from 2026. The 52nd edition of the show is scheduled to take place in May 2026 in Las Vegas. The event will continue to honor the most influential artists of today, with nominees determined by fan engagement in streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour grounds.
A Brief History
The American Music Awards have a rich history, having started as a replacement for the Grammys on ABC. Over the years, the show has become a major event in the music industry, with a focus on commercially popular music. In the 1980s, the AMAs even surpassed the Grammys in ratings, thanks in part to the popularity of Michael Jackson. The show’s relationship with ABC ended in 2022, and CBS has since taken over as the broadcast partner.
What Makes the AMAs Unique
The American Music Awards are unique in that they are the "world’s largest fan-voted award show." The winners are determined by fan votes, making it a true reflection of the music that fans love. The nominees are determined by fan engagement in various areas, including streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour grounds. This approach makes the AMAs a special event that honors the most influential artists of today and their passionate fan bases.
The Production Team
Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media, is responsible for producing the American Music Awards. The company has a long history of producing high-quality events, including the Golden Globes. With the new contract in place, fans can expect the AMAs to continue to be a major event in the music industry for years to come.
