Typical timing of the American Music Awards
The American Music Awards (AMAs) usually occur in late November, most commonly the Sunday before Thanksgiving in the United States. This places the show in November in most years, with rare shifts into early December when holiday timing conflicts arise. The event is designed as a major early-season music awards ceremony, capitalizing on holiday viewing audiences and year-end recognition. Below we detail how the date is decided, how to confirm the exact annual air date, and how the timing relates to other major awards shows.
How the AMA date is chosen
Role of the network and awards season strategy
The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions and historically aired on ABC, though recent years have seen moves to other broadcast and cable partners. The network selects a date that maximizes live viewership, typically avoiding direct clashes with NFL games on Sundays and other major ceremonies. The preference for the Sunday before Thanksgiving aligns with a lighter competitive landscape and strong family viewing. Organizers also consider production lead time for nominations voting, marketing campaigns, and venue booking.
Factors that can shift the date
- Network scheduling conflicts with sports or other programming
- Major competing awards shows, such as the Grammys, which usually occur in January
- Venue availability and production requirements
- Extraordinary circumstances, such as global events or severe weather, that affect broadcast plans
Because of these variables, the AMA may move slightly earlier or later within November or, infrequently, into very early December. When evaluating rumors about timing changes, check announcements from the network and Dick Clark Productions for official confirmation.
How to find the exact AMA date each year
To determine when the American Music Awards will air in a given year, start with official sources. Visit the Dick Clark Productions website, the network’s press site, and the AMA’s official social channels. These outlets release the formal announcement, including the exact date, time, and any schedule adjustments. Planning ahead is useful for viewers, advertisers, and performers who need to coordinate around the broadcast.
Quick reference: AMA timing at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical month | November | Historical pattern |
| Common date window | Sunday before Thanksgiving (U.S.) | Network scheduling practice |
| Occasional month shift | Early December in rare years | Network or event-driven changes |
| Primary producer | Dick Clark Productions | Company credits and press releases |
| Key decision factors | Network schedule, competing events, venue, voting timeline | Industry scheduling norms |
| Best source for annual date | Official network and AMA channels | Direct announcements |
AMA timing relative to other major awards
In the awards season calendar, the American Music Awards occupy a distinct niche as one of the first major televised ceremonies of the year. Unlike critics’ choice awards, which may occur earlier in November, the AMAs are designed for broad public recognition and mass audience appeal. The Grammys typically follow in January or February, while the Oscars occur in March. This early timing lets the AMAs recognize artists across the full calendar year and set the narrative for the season ahead. Understanding this position helps contextualize why the AMA often lands in November and why shifts are planned with care.
Planning around the AMA broadcast
If you are scheduling viewing, recording, or live-tweeting, confirm the exact start time and channel in advance, as pre-shows and local time zone adjustments can affect when programming begins. Check the network’s press release or the official AMA site for any schedule updates, especially around Thanksgiving. For international audiences, verify local listings, as broadcast windows can shift due to time zones or regional carriage agreements. Planning ahead ensures you do not miss performances, acceptance speeches, or key competitive moments.
Summary of key takeaways
- American Music Awards are traditionally held in late November, most often the Sunday before Thanksgiving in the United States
- The exact date is chosen by the network and producers to maximize viewership and avoid major conflicts
- Occasional moves into early December can happen due to scheduling or global circumstances
For the definitive answer each year, rely on official announcements from Dick Clark Productions and the network rather than prior patterns alone. This approach keeps you accurately informed whether you are a viewer, advertiser, or industry observer.
Check official network and AMA social channels for the precise date and time in each broadcast year.
When does the American Music Awards take place? It usually occurs in November, most often the Sunday before Thanksgiving, but always verify the current year’s date through official sources to account for any adjustments.