American Music Awards Start Time and Broadcast Schedule
The American Music Awards typically begin at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on the designated Sunday in October. The broadcast airs live on ABC in the United States, with a pre-show starting 30 minutes earlier. Viewers in Pacific Time can tune in at 5:00 PM local time. The ceremony usually runs for approximately three hours, concluding around 11:00 PM ET. For the most current start time, check the official American Music Awards website or ABC's schedule page here.
International broadcast times vary by region and network partner. In the United Kingdom, the show airs on ITV2, typically starting at 2:00 AM GMT the following day. Canadian viewers can watch the live broadcast on Global TV, synchronized with the Eastern Time schedule. Streaming platforms such as Hulu and Disney+ often carry the live feed in the U.S., with availability starting 15 minutes before the main broadcast. Always verify your local listings for precise timing.
How to Watch the American Music Awards Live
The primary way to watch the American Music Awards live is through the ABC broadcast. A cable or satellite subscription is required for most viewers. The show is also available to stream live on Hulu with a live TV add-on. For cord-cutters, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV carry ABC in their base packages, allowing live viewing without a traditional cable box. The official American Music Awards YouTube channel may also host clips and highlights immediately following the live broadcast here.
Social media platforms provide real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content during the show. The official American Music Awards accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram post live updates, winner announcements, and red carpet photos. The X account, @AMAs, provides a live blog-style feed that is particularly useful for viewers watching the delayed broadcast in other time zones. TikTok and Facebook also feature official clips shortly after they air.
American Music Awards History and Key Facts
The American Music Awards were created by Dick Clark in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammy Awards. The first ceremony was held on October 19, 1974, at the Aquarius Theatre in Hollywood. Unlike the Grammys, which are voted on by industry professionals, the AMAs are determined entirely by fan votes. The awards have been held at various venues, with the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles serving as the primary home since 2003. The show has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards over its decades-long run here.
The voting process for the American Music Awards typically opens in early October and closes shortly before the ceremony. Fans can vote daily across multiple platforms, including the official AMAs website and the iHeartRadio app. The number of categories has evolved over the years, with the 2023 awards featuring over 30 categories spanning pop, hip-hop, country, and Latin genres. The most-awarded artist in AMA history is Taylor Swift, who has collected 40 awards as of the latest ceremony here.
Recent Trends in American Music Awards Viewership
Viewership for the American Music Awards has seen fluctuations in recent years, reflecting broader trends in television ratings. The 2023 ceremony drew approximately 4.5 million viewers on ABC, a decline from the peak