The 2026 American Music Awards will broadcast live on May 25 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT across CBS and Paramount+, giving audiences multiple ways to tune into the annual music industry celebration. The ceremony reaches streaming audiences through Paramount+'s direct platform, while cord-cutters can access the live feed via DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV through local CBS feeds.
For viewers exploring options without traditional cable subscriptions, both DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV currently offer free trial periods that align with the awards date. This multiplatform approach reflects how networks now distribute major entertainment events across broadcast, premium streaming services, and live TV aggregators to maximize viewership.
The AMAs remain one of music's biggest nights, celebrating fan-voted favorites across pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, and alternative genres. CBS has maintained broadcast rights to the ceremony, making it accessible through the network's traditional television audience while channeling younger, streaming-first viewers toward Paramount+. The timing in May positions the awards show in late spring, allowing music's biggest names and emerging artists to gather for performances and recognition.
Paramount+ continues leveraging its position as Paramount Global's flagship streaming service to secure premium live events alongside traditional CBS broadcasts. This dual-distribution model has become standard for major awards shows as networks balance traditional television audiences with cord-cutting viewership patterns.
Viewers should note that specific performance lineups and celebrity attendees typically get announced closer to the event date. The May 25 broadcast window gives music industry players and fans months to prepare for what traditionally becomes a cultural moment for the music industry and broader entertainment landscape.