AMAs Secure Five-Year Deal with CBS and Paramount+: A New Era for Music Awards
CBS has secured a new five-year agreement with Dick Clark Productions for the American Music Awards to air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+ starting in 2026. The annual ceremony will continue to take place on Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas. This deal is significant for DCP as CBS seeks to fill the void left by the Grammys, which will move to Disney/ABC after the 2026 edition. The partnership between CBS and DCP extends beyond the AMAs, as CBS also broadcasts the CMT Music Awards. The agreement follows the successful ratings performance of the 2025 AMAs.
The trajectory of the AMAs mirrors the path taken by CBS and DCP with the Golden Globes. A one-time deal for the 2024 Golden Globes led to a five-year partnership. This agreement included CBS acquiring the rights to the AMAs, previously aired on ABC, for a special 50th anniversary broadcast in the fall of 2024 and the 51st AMAs in 2025. The 2025 AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, attracted over 10 million viewers across various platforms, marking the show's highest viewership since 2019.
The American Music Awards, established by Dick Clark in 1974, are unique in that winners are determined by fan voting. Nominees are selected based on fan engagement across multiple metrics such as streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour revenues. The awards show has a rich history and has featured iconic performances by artists like Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, Gwen Stefani, and more. The AMAs have become a staple in the music industry, celebrating the achievements of artists based on the support of their fans.
In conclusion, the partnership between CBS and Dick Clark Productions for the American Music Awards signifies a commitment to showcasing top musical talent and engaging fans through a dynamic awards show format. The AMAs' move to CBS and Paramount+ opens up new opportunities for viewers to experience the excitement of the event and enjoy performances by their favorite artists. This collaboration underscores the importance of music awards shows in celebrating the diversity and creativity of the music industry.