American Music Awards

Awarded annually to honor achievements in popular music and the recording industry, the American Music Awards were created by Dick Clark in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammy Awards. Based on a survey of 20,000 record buyers each year, the awards salute a wide-range of musical genres including country-western, soul, hard rock, and rap music.

The American Music Awards ceremony is broadcast live on network television each year and winners receive a pyramid-shaped crystal trophy. Acceptance speeches are limited to 45 seconds each, and the show prides itself in its many live performances by some of the biggest names in the music business. Hosts of the ceremony have included Elton John, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.

Last updated: November 07, 2004.