American Music Awards - Created in 1973 by Dick Clark, the first American Music Awards show was cohosted by Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond, Award winners were determined by music buyers. Originally, the AMA gave awards to Pop Rock, Soul/R & B and Country, but over the years have expanded their categories to include Rap/Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, Latin Music, Alternative Music, Dance, Contemporary Inspirational, Breakthrough Artist, Soundtrack, and Heavy Metal.

Other awards given on the show are the Award of Merit, Fan's Choice Award, and the International Artist Award and Favorite Artist of the Year Award.

For the first thirty years of the AMA , it was broadcast in January, but as of 2003, the program aired in November.

The AMA is one of four awards ceremonies (Billboard Music Awards, Grammy Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony) that honor entertainers in the music industry.