Did the American Music Awards Die?
Apr 15, 2025What Really Happened to the American Music Awards?
Did the American Music Awards die—or did they just go quiet, long enough for us to stop noticing? For decades, the AMAs weren’t just another music awards show—they were the pop culture pulse. They gave us headline-making performances, internet-breaking speeches, and the thrill of knowing fans (and not industry gatekeepers) decided the American Music Awards winners. But lately? Radio silence. No show in 2023. No red carpet. No scandals. Just... gone. And when something this big disappears, the silence starts to sound like a statement.
Is this the end of the AMAs, or just a rebrand in progress? What does it mean for the future of music awards, and how has the American Music Awards Latin quietly started stealing the spotlight? Let’s get into what really happened, and what could be next.
In this blog, here’s what we’re diving into:
The History of the American Music Awards
When did the AMAs start? Why were they created?
The AMAs were born in 1973, created by TV legend Dick Clark as a fan-voted alternative to the more exclusive, industry-driven Grammys. From day one, they positioned themselves as the people’s award show—and it worked. Michael Jackson became a mainstay in the ‘80s, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston ruled the ‘90s, and by the 2010s, artists like Taylor Swift and BTS were sweeping categories with massive fan support.
What made the AMAs so iconic?
It wasn’t just about the trophies or who won what. The American Music Awards delivered moments. The AMAs became known for chaotic, viral performances that often defined the year in music. Britney with a snake. Kanye being Kanye. Cardi B on fire—literally and figuratively. AMAs were mass producing viral events every year, before virality even had a name.
So what happened?
What Happened to the American Music Awards?
- The short version: they disappeared in 2023. Quietly.
- The longer version?: It started with declining TV ratings. Like most televised music awards, the AMAs struggled to hold onto younger viewers who were migrating to TikTok, YouTube and streaming services for their entertainment.
Add in changing pop culture dynamics, a crowded awards calendar, and waning network interest—and suddenly, the AMAs weren’t ✨the moment✨ anymore.
Were the AMAs officially canceled?
Not quite. But, in 2023, the Billboard Music Awards replaced them in their usual November slot. It wasn’t framed as a cancellation, but fans noticed the silence. And the silence was loud.
Why Was the 2023 AMAs Cancellation a Big Deal?
Why were the AMAs replaced by the Billboard Awards in 2023?
The decision to skip the AMAs 2023 show (and replace it with the Billboard Music Awards) wasn’t random.
Dick Clark Productions—who oversee both the AMAs and the Billboard Music Awards—had to make a scheduling choice. The BBMAs, backed by stronger data-driven credibility and a newer digital approach, got the green light.
Are fan-voted awards still relevant in 2025?
The AMAs were built on fan voting, but in today’s music world, data and algorithms often outweigh fandom. The cancellation signaled a deeper shift—from fan-powered virality to algorithmic dominance.
🗣️ In our view, this kind of shift likely wouldn’t have happened unless there was already some tension around the voting system. Many felt that their favorite artists were being snubbed—not because of lack of merit, but because larger fandoms could sway the votes. When fanbase size started to outweigh actual craft, smaller deserving artists often lost to bigger names in the same category.
AMAs 2025 Comeback
- Are the AMAs returning in 2025?
According to Rolling Stone, yes! The AMAs are set to return in 2025.
- How are the AMAs changing for their 2025 return?
For the AMAs to matter again, they’ll need to pivot—fast.
Although not officially announced. Our hunch is that AMAs this year are going to experiment with tighter run times, platform-first performances, and content designed to be chopped into TikTok clips.
Will fans still be able to vote for the AMAs?
There’s no official word on this yet, but it’s likely that the fan-voted format might stay, since that is the root of the AMAs.
But it needs to live where the fans are—on socials and streaming platforms, not just on a broadcast network that is harder to access for the actual audience of the AMAs– fans of the music artists!
Whether future American Music Awards winners will carry the same cultural weight is still a question. But the opportunity to make noise again? It’s there.
What Are the Latin American Music Awards?
What’s different about the Latin AMAs?
While the main show faded, the The American Music Awards Latin edition quietly gained steam. Artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and J Balvin dominate both the show and global charts, thanks to Latin music’s skyrocketing presence.
The Latin edition of the AMAs has become more than a spin-off—it’s arguably more relevant than the original right now.
Can the Latin AMAs take over the original AMAs?
If the AMAs don’t move fast enough with the current consumption patterns, they just might get overtaken by LAMAs.
The American Music Awards’ Latin show is already doing what the original show struggles with—tapping into real-time fan behavior, global music trends, and viral energy. With Latin music dominating streaming platforms and social engagement, the Latin AMAs are arguably more relevant today.
The American Music Awards Latin might be the blueprint for the main show’s revival. But does anyone take award shows seriously anymore?
Do Music Awards Even Matter in 2025?
Are music awards shows still relevant for artists?
Less than before. For reasons mentioned in this blog itself, most award shows, especially the fan-voted ones, are losing credibility rapidly.
Throughout its history, the list of American Music Awards winners reflected who fans were listening to—loudly. But most artists now validate success through shares, trends, and streaming stats—not trophies. Because that, for once, actually reflects what the people like in real time.
Why are award shows losing cultural influence?
Legacy matters, but relevance wins. Unless awards shows adapt to the pace and platforms of modern music consumption, they’ll keep fading into the background. Long broadcasts don’t hold Gen Z’s attention like TikTok, streaming, or meme culture do. And the only way to climb back to relevance and maintain their charm is for the award shows to get with the times!
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between the AMAs, Grammys & Billboard Music Awards?
- AMAs are fan votes.
- Grammys are peer voted, meaning people from the industry vote.
- Billboard uses charts and data to choose their winners.
2. Where can I watch the AMAs?
They typically air on ABC, but future editions may lean into streaming platforms or digital-first formats.
3. Has the show ever been canceled before 2023?
Nope. The 2023 skip was the first in AMA history.
4. Can new artists get nominated?
Absolutely. Streaming success, viral reach, and engaged fanbases all play a role in scoring an AMA nod.
Final thoughts
The American Music Awards aren’t gone for good. But they’re standing on shaky ground.
A 2025 revival could be a much-needed reset, or just a final lap for a format that’s lost its grip on the culture it once helped define. Either way, this isn’t just about one awards show. It’s a mirror to where the music industry and fandom is heading.
Because when fans have more (and direct) power than ever to break songs, build stars, and create moments, maybe the real question is: do we even need the middleman anymore?
We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!
Don't miss my newsletter!
Join me on a music entrepreneurship journey with new tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
