American Music Awards: A new chapter begins

A year off and a fresh start

The American Music Awards (AMAs) are taking a break for another year. CBS and Dick Clark Productions have announced that the AMAs, which were not held in 2023 for the first time since their inception in 1974, will also skip 2024. Instead, the next ceremony, known as “the world’s largest fan-voted award show,” is scheduled for May 2025, marking a significant shift to a springtime event.

Celebrating 50 years of music

In place of the traditional awards ceremony this October, CBS will broadcast a two-hour special titled the “American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special”. This event will air on October 6 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, simulcast on both coasts. This special marks the beginning of a new partnership between the AMAs, Dick Clark Productions, and CBS, which has also taken over the Golden Globe Awards.

The anniversary special aims to celebrate the AMAs’ 50-year legacy with new performances, artist interviews, special guests, and never-before-seen footage from the DCP archives. According to CBS and DCP, the program will feature themed highlights from the AMAs’ extensive show archives, each culminating in an original performance or artist interview. Segments will reflect on the evolution of specific artists and genres at the AMAs, as well as notable award and performance milestones. The performances, created exclusively for the “American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special”, will include collaborations, debuts from today’s hottest stars, and appearances from AMAs legends.

Anticipation builds for performer announcements

The network and producer have promised that the lineup of performers for the special will be revealed in the coming weeks. This announcement is eagerly awaited by fans and industry insiders alike, as the AMAs have a history of featuring memorable performances and iconic moments.

A brief history of the AMAs

The AMAs were created by Dick Clark for ABC in 1974 after the network lost its deal to broadcast the Grammys to CBS. The AMAs quickly became a staple in the music industry, even surpassing the Grammys in viewership during the 1980s. One of the most memorable moments in AMA history was when Lionel Richie hosted the 1985 telecast and then immediately helped organize the recording of “We Are the World” later that night.

Initially, the AMAs aired in January or February from 1974 to 2003. In 2003, ABC aired a second AMA telecast in November, moving the event to the end of the year. The AMAs continued to be held in November (or once in October) until 2022, when their deal with ABC ended.

Streaming options for the AMA special

In addition to airing on CBS, the AMA special will be available to stream live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the next day. This ensures that fans who cannot watch the live broadcast will still have the opportunity to enjoy the special at their convenience.

Reflecting on the AMAs’ impact

As a music enthusiast, the AMAs have always held a special place in my heart. The show has consistently provided a platform for artists to showcase their talents and connect with fans. Over the years, the AMAs have given us unforgettable performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and moments that have become part of music history.

The decision to take a year off and return in 2025 with a springtime event is a bold move that could breathe new life into the awards show. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts the AMAs’ relevance and viewership in the coming years.

Looking forward to the future

As we await the “American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special”, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the AMAs’ rich history and the countless artists who have graced its stage. The special promises to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, celebrating the evolution of music and the artists who have shaped the industry.

For those who want to dive deeper into the AMAs’ history and relive some of its most iconic moments, the special will undoubtedly provide a treasure trove of content. And for the new generation of music fans, it will be an opportunity to discover the legacy of the AMAs and the impact they have had on the music world.

In the meantime, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the performer announcements and get ready to celebrate 50 years of the American Music Awards in style.