Music award shows are formal events that celebrate achievements in the music industry. They honor artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals across various genres and categories, often based on artistic excellence, commercial success, or popularity.
These shows often feature live performances, celebrity appearances, and serve both as recognition and entertainment.
WHAT IS A MUSIC AWARD SHOW?
A music award show typically includes:
Nominations and voting: Nominees are selected based on chart performance, peer or public voting, or industry panels.
Categories: Common categories include Best Album, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and genre-specific awards.
Performances: Artists perform live, often debuting new music or putting on elaborate shows.
Ceremony: Awards are presented to winners, often accompanied by acceptance speeches.
ORIGINS OF MUSIC AWARD SHOWS
Music award shows emerged as the recording industry grew more organized and influential. Here’s a brief history of how they started:
The Grammy Awards (1959 – Present)
Origin: Created by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) in the U.S.
Purpose: To recognize artistic and technical merit in the recording industry.
Inspiration: Modeled somewhat after the Oscars, but focused on music.
Significance: The Grammys are widely considered the most prestigious music awards globally.
Billboard Music Awards (1990 – Present)
Based On: Sales, radio play, streaming, and social engagement—more commercially driven.
Origin: Created by Billboard magazine, a longstanding music industry publication.
American Music Awards (1973 – Present)
Founder: Dick Clark, the TV producer behind American Bandstand.
Created As: A rival to the Grammys, with winners determined by public vote.
MTV Video Music Awards (1984 – Present)
Focus: Music videos and pop culture relevance.
Cultural Impact: Known for iconic performances and controversial moments.
International Awards
BRIT Awards (UK, since 1977)
Juno Awards (Canada, since 1970)
ARIA Awards (Australia, since 1987)
WHY SO MANY?
There are now many music award shows due to:
Diverse genres and markets (pop, rock, Latin, K-pop, etc.)
Different judging methods (industry panels vs. fan voting)
Global expansion of music media and fandoms
Commercial interests from networks and sponsors
HERE ARE THE CURRENT MAJOR MUSIC AWARD SHOWS, EACH WITH KEY DETAILS AND WHAT MAKES THEM SIGNIFICANT. THESE ARE CONSIDERED “MAJOR” DUE TO THEIR PRESTIGE, REACH, INFLUENCE ON THE INDUSTRY, AND OFTEN BECAUSE OF THEIR LONG HISTORY OR MASS VIEWERSHIP.
🎵 1. Grammy Awards
Founded: 1959
Presented by: The Recording Academy (U.S.)
Focus: Artistic and technical excellence in music across all genres.
Judging: Voted on by music professionals (not fans).
Prestige: Often called the “Oscars of music,” it’s considered the highest honor in the music industry.
Why It’s Major: Career-defining awards, global recognition, and industry validation.
📈 2. Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs)
Founded: 1990
Presented by: Billboard magazine
Focus: Chart performance (sales, streaming, radio play).
Judging: Data-driven, based on Billboard charts.
Why It’s Major: It reflects commercial success and popularity backed by hard data. Many view it as an award for “what people are actually listening to.”
🏆 3. American Music Awards (AMAs)
Founded: 1973
Created by: Dick Clark
Focus: Popularity, fan engagement, and musical impact.
Judging: Fan-voted.
Why It’s Major: One of the few fan-voted award shows, making it a barometer for mainstream popularity. It has featured countless legendary performances.
🎥 4. MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)
Founded: 1984
Presented by: MTV
Focus: Music videos, pop culture, youth appeal.
Judging: Mix of industry and fan voting.
Why It’s Major: Known for edgy, iconic moments and performances. The VMAs are often where pop culture history is made (e.g., Britney, Beyoncé, Kanye interruptions).
🇬🇧 5. BRIT Awards (UK)
Founded: 1977
Presented by: British Phonographic Industry
Focus: British and international music.
Judging: Industry panel votes.
Why It’s Major: The UK’s biggest music award show. A major platform for British music and often reflects global music trends.
🍁 6. Juno Awards (Canada)
Founded: 1970
Presented by: Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
Focus: Canadian music, with some international categories.
Why It’s Major: Canada’s top music honor, boosting artists like Celine Dion, Drake, and The Weeknd.
🇦🇺 7. ARIA Awards (Australia)
Founded: 1987
Presented by: Australian Recording Industry Association
Focus: Australian music industry.
Why It’s Major: Top recognition for Australian musicians, supporting global careers like Sia, AC/DC, and Tones and I.
🌎 8. Latin Grammy Awards
Founded: 2000
Presented by: Latin Recording Academy
Focus: Latin music in all its genres (from reggaetón to salsa to regional Mexican).
Why It’s Major: The top honor in Latin music, highlighting massive global talent from Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
🏅 9. iHeartRadio Music Awards
Founded: 2014
Presented by: iHeartRadio
Focus: Most played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and apps.
Judging: Public and fan votes.
Why It’s Major: Reflects digital radio influence and strong fan support, especially among pop, hip-hop, and country listeners.
🎶 10. Soul Train Music Awards
Founded: 1987
Presented by: BET
Focus: R&B, soul, hip-hop, and Black music culture.
Why It’s Major: Celebrates excellence in Black music with a deep cultural legacy. Honors artists often overlooked by other mainstream awards.
While many artists appreciate recognition, their feelings about each award show can vary widely based on credibility, voting process, cultural values, and personal experience.
HERE’S HOW ARTISTS OFTEN FEEL ABOUT THE MAJOR MUSIC AWARD SHOWS:
Grammy Awards
Mixed feelings.
Respected: Many artists view a Grammy as the most prestigious award, especially within the industry.
Criticism: Some feel the Grammys favor mainstream or older voting members, and there have been accusations of bias, lack of diversity, and ignoring certain genres (e.g., hip-hop, R&B).
Famous pushback:
Drake said the Grammys “don’t always get it right” during his acceptance speech.
The Weeknd boycotted after not being nominated in 2021 despite huge success.
Billboard Music Awards
Generally liked, especially by mainstream artists.
Based on objective metrics (sales, streaming, radio), so artists often feel it reflects their actual popularity.
Some underground or niche artists may feel left out due to the commercial nature of the criteria.
American Music Awards (AMAs)
Popular among artists with strong fanbases (e.g., Taylor Swift, BTS).
Since it’s fan-voted, artists who win often feel deeply supported and personally validated by their audiences.
Some artists may value critical acclaim more than popularity, so it varies.
MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)
Many artists enjoy the performance aspect and pop culture buzz.
Younger and pop-focused artists especially love the VMAs.
Artists also enjoy pushing creative boundaries with their performances here.
Some criticism of overemphasis on spectacle vs. music.
BRIT Awards
Generally respected, especially in the UK.
Seen as more balanced in combining artistry and popularity.
British artists often see it as a career milestone.
Latin Grammy Awards
Highly valued by Latin artists, similar to how the Grammys are viewed in the U.S.
Artists often feel seen and respected for their cultural and musical diversity.
Very emotional for many Latin artists who grew up dreaming of this recognition.
iHeartRadio Music Awards
Fun and lighthearted—artists enjoy the fan-driven aspect.
Viewed as less “elite” but a great nod to public popularity and radio support.
Soul Train Music Awards
Deeply appreciated, especially by R&B and hip-hop artists.
Many feel the show celebrates culture and artistry that other award shows overlook.
Has deep cultural meaning for Black artists.
While many artists appreciate recognition, their feelings about each award show can vary widely based on credibility, voting process, cultural values, and personal experience.
HERE’S HOW ARTISTS OFTEN FEEL ABOUT THE MAJOR MUSIC AWARD SHOWS:
Grammy Awards
Mixed feelings.
Respected: Many artists view a Grammy as the most prestigious award, especially within the industry.
Criticism: Some feel the Grammys favor mainstream or older voting members, and there have been accusations of bias, lack of diversity, and ignoring certain genres (e.g., hip-hop, R&B).
Famous pushback:
Drake said the Grammys “don’t always get it right” during his acceptance speech.
The Weeknd boycotted after not being nominated in 2021 despite huge success.
Billboard Music Awards
Generally liked, especially by mainstream artists.
Based on objective metrics (sales, streaming, radio), so artists often feel it reflects their actual popularity.
Some underground or niche artists may feel left out due to the commercial nature of the criteria.
American Music Awards (AMAs)
Popular among artists with strong fanbases (e.g., Taylor Swift, BTS).
Since it’s fan-voted, artists who win often feel deeply supported and personally validated by their audiences.
Some artists may value critical acclaim more than popularity, so it varies.
MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)
Many artists enjoy the performance aspect and pop culture buzz.
Younger and pop-focused artists especially love the VMAs.
Artists also enjoy pushing creative boundaries with their performances here.
Some criticism of overemphasis on spectacle vs. music.
BRIT Awards
Generally respected, especially in the UK.
Seen as more balanced in combining artistry and popularity.
British artists often see it as a career milestone.
Latin Grammy Awards
Highly valued by Latin artists, similar to how the Grammys are viewed in the U.S.
Artists often feel seen and respected for their cultural and musical diversity.
Very emotional for many Latin artists who grew up dreaming of this recognition.
iHeartRadio Music Awards
Fun and lighthearted—artists enjoy the fan-driven aspect.
Viewed as less “elite” but a great nod to public popularity and radio support.
Soul Train Music Awards
Deeply appreciated, especially by R&B and hip-hop artists.
Many feel the show celebrates culture and artistry that other award shows overlook.
Has deep cultural meaning for Black artists.
SUMMING IT UP:
Award Show Artist Feelings Grammys Respected but often criticized Billboard Generally liked for its objectivity AMAs Loved by artists with big fanbases VMAs Fun, creative, but sometimes superficial BRITs Well-respected in the UK and Europe Latin Grammys Deeply meaningful to Latin artists iHeartRadio Liked, not overly serious Soul Train Highly valued culturally
WHEN IT COMES TO FAN-FAVORITE MUSIC AWARD SHOWS, SOME STAND OUT BECAUSE THEY LET FANS VOTE, FOCUS ON POPULAR ARTISTS, OR PUT ON EXCITING PERFORMANCES THAT FANS TALK ABOUT FOR WEEKS.
Here’s a breakdown of the music award shows that fans tend to love the most, and why:
American Music Awards (AMAs)
Why it’s a fan favorite:
The AMAs are one of the most fan-driven major award shows. Voting is open to the public, and artists with strong fanbases often win. The event is known for big performances and trending moments.
What fans like:
Direct impact on who wins
Recognizes a wide range of genres
Frequently awards popular, mainstream artists
iHeartRadio Music Awards
Why it’s a fan favorite:
These awards focus on what’s being played and streamed the most, combined with some fan voting categories. They celebrate both top-charting artists and fan engagement through platforms like TikTok.
What fans like:
Recognizes music people are actually listening to
Includes awards for social media trends
Features fan-voted categories
MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)
Why it’s a fan favorite:
The VMAs have a long history of iconic performances and bold pop culture moments. Many categories are fan-voted, and it’s especially popular with younger audiences.
What fans like:
Energetic, theatrical performances
Youth-focused categories
Tends to spotlight pop, hip-hop, and internet-driven music trends
Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs)
Why it’s a fan favorite:
These awards are based on measurable data — chart performance, sales, streaming, and radio play — meaning fans help artists win by simply listening.
What fans like:
Reflects real-world success
Validates fandom efforts (streaming, buying music)
Often aligns with what’s already popular
Latin American Music Awards / Latin Billboard Music Awards
Why they’re fan favorites:
Latin AMAs are fan-voted, while the Latin Billboard Awards are based on sales and airplay. Both are extremely popular among fans of Latin music genres, from reggaetón to regional Mexican.
What fans like:
Celebrate artists from all over Latin America
Encourage fan engagement and participation
Culturally meaningful performances and tributes
People’s Choice Awards (Music Categories)
Why it’s a fan favorite:
This award show lets fans vote across the board — music, movies, TV, and more. It tends to reward artists who have strong public appeal or a viral presence.
What fans like:
100 percent decided by fans
Broad range of music categories
Celebrates fan connection more than industry opinion
Award Show Fan Involvement Why Fans Love It American Music Awards 100% fan-voted Fans decide winners; major star power iHeartRadio Music Awards Partial voting Reflects fan-driven metrics (streams, trends) MTV Video Music Awards Partial voting Bold performances; youth-focused Billboard Music Awards Data-driven Rewards top-charting artists; validates fan support Latin AMAs / BB Latin Fan/data mix Culturally rich and fan-participatory People’s Choice Awards 100% fan-voted Entirely driven by audience across all pop culture
THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER MUSIC AWARD SHOWS THAT ARE WELL LIKED, ESPECIALLY WITHIN SPECIFIC GENRES, REGIONS, OR PARTS OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. WHILE THEY MAY NOT BE AS GLOBALLY MAINSTREAM AS THE AMAS OR VMAS, THEY HAVE STRONG FOLLOWINGS, PRESTIGE, OR FAN APPEAL IN THEIR OWN RIGHT. HERE’S A LIST OF NOTABLE ONES:
BET Awards (Music Categories)
Focus: Celebrates Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.
Why it’s well liked:
Honors hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and other genres where Black artists lead.
Powerful performances and tributes.
Important culturally and artistically.
Soul Train Music Awards
Focus: R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop.
Why it’s well liked:
Deeply respected in the soul and R&B community.
Known for honoring artists who may be overlooked by mainstream shows.
Strong connection to music history and legacy.
CMT Music Awards
Focus: Country music.
Why it’s well liked:
Entirely fan-voted.
Fans appreciate the laid-back, fun atmosphere.
Great platform for both big names and rising country stars.
Dove Awards
Focus: Christian and gospel music.
Why it’s well liked:
Especially important to fans and artists in the Christian music world.
Recognizes a wide range of Christian genres.
Supportive and faith-centered vibe.
Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards & Country Music Association (CMA) Awards
Focus: Country music.
Why they’re well liked:
Respected by artists and fans alike.
Big moments and major performances from country stars.
Highly watched among country music audiences.
MOBO Awards (UK)
Focus: Music of Black origin in the UK — including grime, hip-hop, soul, and reggae.
Why it’s well liked:
Major impact on the UK music scene.
Platform for underrepresented artists.
Popular among fans of UK hip-hop, afrobeat, and urban music.
Juno Awards (Canada)
Focus: Canadian artists across all genres.
Why it’s well liked:
Canada’s top music award.
Mix of popular and artistic recognition.
Celebrated across Canada and respected globally.
ARIA Awards (Australia)
Focus: Australian music.
Why it’s well liked:
Premier music award in Australia.
Recognizes both local legends and emerging talent.
Engages fans and media heavily across Australia.
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
Focus: K-pop and Asian pop music.
Why it’s well liked:
Huge event for K-pop fans globally.
Massive fan participation, high-energy performances.
Brings together fans from all over Asia and the world.
The BRIT Awards (UK)
Focus: British and international pop music.
Why it’s well liked:
The UK’s biggest mainstream music award.
Strong mix of artistry and pop appeal.
Performances often go viral.
FAN-FAVORITE SHOWS
Award Show Genre/Region Focus What Fans Appreciate BET Awards Black music, hip-hop, R&B Cultural impact, strong performances Soul Train Music Awards R&B, soul, gospel Legacy and artistic recognition CMT Music Awards Country Fan voting, energetic atmosphere Dove Awards Christian, gospel Faith-based music focus ACM / CMA Awards Country Major performances, top honors in country music MOBO Awards UK, Black music Diversity, spotlight on rising UK talent Juno Awards Canada Support for Canadian talent across genres ARIA Awards Australia Premier Australian music celebration Mnet Asian (MAMA) K-pop, Asian pop High fan energy, global K-pop focus BRIT Awards UK pop Big names, viral performances
For people who genuinely enjoy music, watching music award shows can feel like a celebration of everything they love about the art form. These shows go beyond simply handing out trophies — they bring fans closer to their favorite artists through unforgettable live performances, surprise collaborations, heartfelt speeches, and fashion moments.
Whether it’s the American Music Awards where fans decide the winners, the MTV VMAs known for their unpredictable energy, or the Billboard Music Awards that reflect real-world success, each show offers a different flavor of music culture. For devoted listeners, these nights represent a time to tune in, cheer on their favorites, and be part of a larger, shared moment with other fans around the world.
Many fans particularly enjoy shows that allow them to vote, such as the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the AMAs, and the CMT Music Awards. Fan participation creates a sense of investment and pride — when an artist wins, it feels like a shared victory.
Meanwhile, shows like the Grammys or the BRIT Awards might lean more toward critical and industry acclaim, giving music lovers a chance to explore high-caliber artistry and discover new or rising talents.
For genre-specific fans, whether that be K-pop, gospel, country, or Latin music, there are specialized award shows that highlight and honor the music they hold closest to their hearts.
These events also serve as cultural markers — moments that get talked about for days or even years after they air. From career-defining performances to viral acceptance speeches, award shows capture snapshots of music history as it unfolds. Fans often use these events to celebrate the success of long-supported artists, witness debuts of new ones, and connect online in real-time with others who share their tastes.
For many, watching music award shows is more than just entertainment — it’s about being part of the broader musical community.
Music award shows have evolved over time, beginning as industry-only affairs and transforming into globally recognized, fan-inclusive spectacles. Today, there are several major award shows — the Grammys, AMAs, BBMAs, VMAs, and more — each with its own focus, criteria, and audience appeal. Artists have mixed feelings about them, especially when it comes to fairness and recognition, but many appreciate the exposure and fan support.
Fans, on the other hand, often gravitate toward the shows where their votes matter and where the performances reflect what’s trending and meaningful to them. Beyond just rankings and trophies, these award shows are moments of celebration, identity, and deep fan engagement.
Whether you love pop, rock, hip-hop, country, Latin, K-pop, or gospel, there’s likely an award show that honors the music you care about. And even if you’re not voting or attending, just watching can feel like a tribute to the power and beauty of music in all its forms.
YOU CAN FIND MORE DETAILED AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT MUSIC AWARD SHOWS, ARTIST OPINIONS, FAN FAVORITES, AND THE HISTORY OF THESE EVENTS FROM A VARIETY OF RELIABLE SOURCES. HERE’S WHERE TO LOOK:
Official Award Show Websites
These provide direct information about voting, nominees, show dates, and histories:
- Grammy Awards – https://www.grammy.com
- American Music Awards – https://www.theamas.com
- Billboard Music Awards – https://www.billboardmusicawards.com
- MTV VMAs – https://www.mtv.com/vma
- iHeartRadio Music Awards – https://www.iheart.com/music-awards
- Latin Grammy Awards – https://www.latingrammy.com
- BET Awards – https://www.bet.com/bet-awards
- CMT Awards – https://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards
- BRIT Awards – https://www.brits.co.uk
- Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) – https://www.mwave.me
Music News and Commentary Sites
These provide reviews, recaps, analysis, artist interviews, and fan opinions:
- Billboard – https://www.billboard.com
- Rolling Stone – https://www.rollingstone.com
- Variety (Music Section) – https://variety.com/v/music/
- Pitchfork – https://pitchfork.com
- NME (New Musical Express) – https://www.nme.com
- Complex (Music) – https://www.complex.com/music
Streaming Services & Platforms
- YouTube: Official channels like Recording Academy / GRAMMYs, MTV, Billboard, and CMT post full performances, speeches, and recaps.
- Spotify & Apple Music: Often feature curated award-season playlists or highlights after major shows.
- Peacock, Paramount+, and Hulu: Some awards are streamed live or replayed on these platforms, depending on the network.
Social Media Channels
Follow your favorite award shows or artists on:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- TikTok