When coverage typically begins
The American Music Awards (AMAs) red carpet usually starts about two hours before the television broadcast begins. If the show is scheduled to air at 8:00 PM ET, the red carpet arrivals and pre-show coverage typically launch around 6:00 PM ET. This window allows time for celebrity arrivals, interviews, fashion commentary, and sponsor segments. Because the AMAs date can shift within November, the exact local start time may vary by a few days, so it is best to confirm the network schedule closer to the event.
Why start times are not fixed in stone
While the pattern above is consistent, several factors can move the red carpet start earlier or later. Broadcast timing adjustments, live award presentations, and last-minute changes to the lineup can all affect when the first cameras roll on the carpet. In addition, time zone differences mean that viewers in different regions will see the coverage at different clock times even if the ceremony itself is unchanged.
How time zones translate to local start times
Because the AMAs are broadcast live in the Eastern Time Zone, fans elsewhere must translate the local air time. Typical conversions for a show that starts at 8:00 PM ET are:
- Central Time: 7:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
- Pacific Time: 5:00 PM
If the red carpet starts two hours early in ET, viewers in each zone should subtract two hours from their local broadcast time to know when coverage begins.
Where to watch coverage live
To time your viewing correctly, watch for the red carpet on the same channel that airs the main ceremony. In most years, that has been ABC, and live streams are commonly available through network apps and authenticated TV provider logins. Cable and streaming providers may also carry the event, so it is worth checking your local listings or provider guide the night before.
How to find the exact start time in any given year
Because the AMAs can fall on different dates in November, the precise schedule is updated each season. To confirm the exact start time in any given year, check official network announcements, press releases from the producers, or reliable entertainment news outlets once the lineup and air date are confirmed. TV listings on your streaming apps and website TV grid schedules are also updated as the event approaches.
Practical steps on the day of the ceremony
On the morning of the AMAs, check your local TV listings or network website for the current schedule. Many channels provide minute-by-minute programming that will show when the red carpet coverage is set to begin. If you plan to stream the event, verify that your login credentials and internet connection are ready in case of high demand.
Quick reference table: approximate times for a hypothetical 8:00 PM ET telecast
| Time zone | Red carpet start | Show start | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Network schedule pattern |
| Central Time (CT) | 5:00 PM | 7:00 PM | Network schedule pattern |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM | Network schedule pattern |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Network schedule pattern |
What happens on the red carpet
The red carpet portion of the AMAs serves as both a fashion showcase and a prelude to the awards. Reporters ask arriving artists about their looks, new music, and projects. Networks use this time to build excitement with highlight packages, sponsor messages, and behind-the-scenes segments. Because this window can include multiple live feeds, the coverage may feature different angles and interviews before the main show starts.
Planning to attend or cover the event
Members of the media and select fans sometimes attend the red carpet in person. If you plan to join in person or watch from a venue, arrive early, since access areas and seating are managed by the show producers. Professional photographers and credentialed press must follow specific guidelines, which are released closer to the date. Otherwise, home viewing remains the most reliable way to experience the full ceremony.
Summary takeaways
The AMAs red carpet typically begins two hours before the television broadcast, with local times varying by time zone. Start times can shift due to live production choices, so it is best to check updated listings as the date approaches. To ensure you do not miss a minute, confirm the network schedule and streaming access the day before and the morning of the ceremony.