Back in May, the American Music Awards looked to kick off the summer with a lineup of hit performers. While celebrating artists and handing out more than a few awards, the night featured performances from stars like Rod Stewart, Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson, and even Lainey Wilson. And if that wasn’t enough star power, the event was hosted by Jennifer Lopez. Drawing in millions of viewers, it appeared that CBS agreed to a new deal that would keep the awards at the network for the next five years.
Looking at the numbers, the 2025 AMAs brought in more than 10 million viewers across CBS, MTV, CMT, and BET. When comparing to previous years, the 10 million was the largest audience for the awards since 2019. With the numbers climbing, CBS quickly moved to lock the AMAs into a new contract. And for the next five years, fans will turn to CBS when wanting to celebrate their favorite artists.
Videos by American Songwriter
[RELATED: Lainey Wilson Debuts “Somewhere Over Laredo” at the 2025 American Music Awards]
American Music Awards Just The Latest Live Event Acquired By CBS
Thrilled about the new contract, CBS and Dick Clark Productions shared their excitement about airing the AMAs on Paramount+. Although there are more than a few streaming platforms, Paramount+ took advantage of live shows. Not only did they ink a deal with the AMAs, but the streaming platform also landed the rights to stream UFC events for the next seven years. And that came at a hefty price of $7.7 billion.
Helping the AMAs draw in some of the biggest numbers in recent years, Lopez, who not only hosted but also performed, admitted she almost turned down the gig.
Although creating a career in the spotlight, Lopez revealed how shy she was. “Believe it or not, I’m quite shy. I’m a performer, so if I have a script or a song, I can do that and I love doing that. But hosting is a different thing, a different skill set. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite thing to do.”
With Lopez battling through her anxiety of hosting, the AMAs might want to thank the singer for helping secure their future at CBS.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Most Viewed
-
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAY 02: Vince Gill of Eagles performs during the 55th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 02, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage) -
Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 23: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Morgan Wallen performs onstage during the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio) -
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images -
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic -
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Monday, May 4 included Jelly Roll ("Beautifully Broken Comedy Night: Hosted by Jelly Roll") and Nicole Byer ("Netflix Is a Joke Fest"). (Disney/Randy Holmes)JELLY ROLL, JIMMY KIMMEL (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) -
Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images -
Clive Davis at the "Sunset Blvd." Opening Night on Broadway at St. James Theatre on October 20, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Jeanette D. Moses/Variety via Getty Images)