The American Music Awards (AMAs) stand as one of the most prominent music award ceremonies in the United States, celebrating the achievements of artists across various genres. Established in 1973 by television producer Dick Clark, the AMAs were created as a fan-voted alternative to the Grammy Awards, emphasizing popularity and public opinion over industry accolades. The inaugural AMAs took place in 1974, with Helen Reddy, Roger Miller, and Smokey Robinson serving as hosts. Helen Reddy not only hosted but also became the first artist to win an AMA for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist . Initially, the ceremony featured multiple hosts representing different music genres. Over time, the format evolved to include a single host, with notable figures like Keenen Ivory Wayans in 1991 and Jennifer Lopez in 2015 and 2025 . Originally held in January, the AMAs shifted to November in 2003 to avoid competition with other major award shows and to capitalize on the television ratings during the November sweeps period .Unlike the Grammys, which are determined by members of the Recording Academy, the AMAs are entirely fan-voted. This approach underscores the awards' focus on popularity and public engagement. Over the years, the AMAs have introduced and retired various categories to reflect the evolving music landscape. Notably, in 2022, new categories such as Favorite Afrobeats Artist and Favorite K-pop Artist were added . The AMAs have been the stage for numerous iconic moments in music history:Garth Brooks' Rejection: In 1996, Garth Brooks declined the Artist of the Year award, stating he didn't believe he deserved it over his peers . Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's Denim Duo: The couple's matching denim outfits at the 2001 AMAs became a pop culture phenomenon. Adam Lambert's Controversial Performance: In 2009, Lambert's provocative performance sparked debates about broadcast standards and artistic expression . Pink's Aerial Stunt: In 2017, P!nk delivered a breathtaking performance by singing while suspended from the side of a building . The 27th AMAs were held on January 17, 2000, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The ceremony highlighted the musical achievements of the late 1990s, with notable winners including:Pop/Rock: Favorite Male Artist: Will Smith Favorite Female Artist: Shania Twain Favorite Band/Duo/Group: Backstreet Boys Favorite Album: "Supernatural" by Santana Favorite New Artist: Britney Spears Favorite Male Artist: R. Kelly Favorite Female Artist: Lauryn Hill Favorite Band/Duo/Group: TLC Favorite Album: "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" by Lauryn Hill Favorite New Artist: Tyrese Favorite Male Artist: Garth Brooks Favorite Female Artist: Shania Twain Favorite Band/Duo/Group: Brooks & Dunn Favorite Album: "Double Live" by Garth Brooks Favorite New Artist: Montgomery Gentry Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Phil Collins Favorite Alternative Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist: DMX Favorite Latin Artist: Ricky Martin Favorite Soundtrack: "Wild Wild West" Special honors were bestowed upon Gloria Estefan (Award of Merit) and Mariah Carey (Achievement Award). Additionally, fan-voted Artist of the Decade awards were presented to: 1950s: Elvis Presley 1960s: The Beatles 1970s: Stevie Wonder 1980s: Michael Jackson 1990s: Garth Brooks In 2023, the AMAs took a hiatus, leading to speculation about their future. However, in March 2024, it was announced that CBS had acquired the broadcasting rights for the AMAs under a multi-year deal. This move marked a significant shift, as the AMAs had traditionally aired on ABC since their inception . To commemorate the show's 50th anniversary, a special aired on October 6, 2024, featuring performances by artists like Green Day, Mariah Carey, and Stray Kids. The event celebrated the rich history of the AMAs and paid tribute to its creator, Dick Clark . Looking ahead, the 51st American Music Awards are scheduled to air on May 26, 2025, with Jennifer Lopez returning as host, a decade after her previous hosting role in 2015 Over the decades, the AMAs have played a pivotal role in reflecting and shaping the music industry's landscape. By prioritizing fan engagement and celebrating a diverse array of artists, the awards have maintained their relevance and appeal. From honoring legends to spotlighting emerging talents, the AMAs continue to be a significant barometer of musical success and popularity.