American Music Awards Viewership Soars With 50th Anniversary Special

Jennifer Hudson Performs at the 2024 American Music Awards (Credit: YouTube/AMAs)

The American Music Awards have something to sing about. 

The AMAs 50th Anniversary Special averaged more than 6 million viewers when the ceremony aired Oct. 6 on CBS, according to ratings data published Monday, Oct. 14 by The Hollywood Reporter.

The broadcast saw a 54 percent increase since the AMAs aired last in 2022 on ABC. There was no event in 2023 due to the award show looking for a new broadcast home. 

So far this year, the special marks the largest year-over-year growth of not only a music special, but for any awards show on TV.

The AMAs broadcast was also the most-watched entertainment program of the day on Oct. 6, after the NFL.

Related: Jennifer Hudson Praised for ‘Spectacular’ Tribute to Whitney Houston at AMAs

The show featured a roster of star-studded performances, with Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Sheila E, Gladys Knight, Nelly, Nile Rodgers & CHIC all taking the stage. In one of the most-watched performances, Jennifer Hudson honored 21-time AMAs winner Whitney Houston.

While this year’s broadcast saw a surge in interest, its viewership still pales in comparison to the Grammys, which also air on CBS.

In February, the 66th annual Grammy Awards brought in 16.9 million viewers.

The American Music Awards launched  in 1974.

According to the program’s producer, Dick Clark Productions, the show will return next year in a new location.

Instead of airing from Los Angeles in October, it will take place in Las Vegas during Memorial Day weekend.

The theme, along with the return of the awards being handed out, for the 2025 edition will be “American roots” and paying tribute to U.S. veterans.

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