The 2017 American Music Awards (AMAs) took place on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. The event was broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on the ABC television network, featuring a high-profile lineup of performances and fan-voted awards honoring the year's top musical achievements.
Broadcast Timing and Schedule: When the 2017 AMAs Aired
The scheduling of the 2017 American Music Awards followed the traditional Sunday evening slot that has become a staple for major music industry ceremonies. For viewers in the United States, the broadcast was synchronized across time zones to ensure a cohesive social media experience, although the "live" nature varied by region.
The main ceremony commenced at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For viewers in the Pacific Time (PT) zone, the show was typically tape-delayed to air at 8:00 PM local time, though many satellite and cable subscribers with East Coast feeds were able to watch it live at 5:00 PM PT. In the Mountain Time zone, the broadcast generally began at 7:00 PM. The program ran for three hours, concluding at 11:00 PM ET.
Prior to the main event, the "AMAs Red Carpet Live" pre-show provided an essential lead-in. This pre-show began at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT) and was notably accessible via digital platforms, marking a shift in how Dick Clark Productions approached audience engagement. This two-hour window allowed fans to see arrival fashion, brief interviews, and early commentary on the night’s nominees.
Television Network and Streaming Access in 2017
In 2017, the primary way to consume the American Music Awards was through traditional linear television. ABC (the American Broadcasting Company) held the exclusive domestic broadcasting rights, a partnership that has spanned several decades.
Linear Television Requirements
To watch the broadcast in 2017, viewers required access to a local ABC affiliate. This was possible through:
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Antennas: As a broadcast network, ABC was available for free to anyone with a digital antenna within range of a local station.
- Cable and Satellite Providers: Most standard packages included ABC as part of the local channel lineup.
The State of Streaming in 2017
While the streaming landscape in 2026 is dominated by consolidated platforms, 2017 was a period of transition. Digital access to the 2017 AMAs was available through:
- ABC.com and the ABC App: Viewers could stream the show live, provided they had "authenticated" access, meaning they had to log in with their cable or satellite provider credentials.
- Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV: These services were in their relatively early stages but offered the ability to stream the ABC broadcast live in markets where they had secured local affiliate carriage.
- Social Media Integration: The 2017 AMAs were significant for their partnership with Twitter. The red carpet pre-show was streamed globally on the platform, allowing fans without a cable subscription to participate in the early part of the evening's festivities.
The Venue: Microsoft Theater and the Los Angeles Backdrop
The 2017 AMAs returned to the Microsoft Theater (formerly known as the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE) in downtown Los Angeles. This venue has a long-standing relationship with the AMAs, having hosted the ceremony nearly every year since 2007.
The Microsoft Theater is designed specifically for televised awards shows. With a seating capacity of approximately 7,100, it offers an intimate enough setting for a high-energy concert atmosphere while providing the technical infrastructure necessary for complex stage movements, massive LED displays, and high-definition broadcast equipment.
The L.A. LIVE complex surrounding the theater served as the hub for the red carpet, which stretched across the plaza, allowing fans to gather and catch glimpses of their favorite artists. This urban setting is a critical component of the AMAs' identity, emphasizing the "fan-voted" nature of the awards by bringing the stars into a space where the public can feel the energy of the event.
Major Performances and Iconic Moments
The 2017 AMAs are perhaps best remembered for a series of milestone performances that spanned genres and generations. Because the AMAs prioritize performance over the presentation of awards, the three-hour block was packed with elaborate sets.
The US Debut of BTS
One of the most culturally significant moments of the 2017 broadcast was the US television performance debut of the K-pop group BTS. Performing their hit single "DNA," the group received an unprecedented level of enthusiasm from the live audience. This moment is often cited by industry analysts as a turning point for K-pop's mainstream integration into the American music market. The broadcast cameras frequently cut to emotional fans (the "ARMY"), highlighting the massive digital and physical presence of the group's following.
Christina Aguilera’s Tribute to Whitney Houston
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film The Bodyguard, Christina Aguilera performed a medley of Whitney Houston's hits, including "I Will Always Love You," "I Have Nothing," and "Run to You." Introduced by Viola Davis, the performance was designed as a powerhouse vocal tribute. While it sparked debate among critics and fans regarding vocal stylings, it remained one of the most-watched and discussed segments of the night.
Pink’s High-Altitude Spectacle
Pink, known for her aerial acrobatics, took her performance of "Beautiful Trauma" to literally new heights. Rather than performing inside the Microsoft Theater, she scaled the side of the nearby JW Marriott hotel. Suspended by wires hundreds of feet in the air, she performed a choreographed routine against the windows of the skyscraper. This feat required immense technical coordination between the broadcast crew, the city of Los Angeles, and the hotel's safety teams.
Diana Ross: Lifetime Achievement
The evening concluded with a celebration of Diana Ross, who received the American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement. After a career-spanning medley of her greatest hits, Ross was joined on stage by her children and grandchildren. The tribute, hosted by her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, emphasized the AMAs' focus on musical legacy and family.
Award Winners and Nominations: A Look Back at 2017's Music Leaders
The 2017 AMAs were dominated by Bruno Mars, who led the nominations and took home the most trophies. Unlike the Grammys, which are decided by industry peers, the AMAs are determined by fan voting, making the winners a direct reflection of commercial success and fan engagement during the 2017 eligibility period.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | Bruno Mars |
| New Artist of the Year | Niall Horan |
| Collaboration of the Year | Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber ("Despacito") |
| Tour of the Year | Coldplay |
| Video of the Year | Bruno Mars ("That's What I Like") |
| Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock | Bruno Mars |
| Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock | Lady Gaga |
| Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock | Imagine Dragons |
| Favorite Album – Pop/Rock | Bruno Mars (24K Magic) |
| Favorite Song – Pop/Rock | Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber ("Despacito") |
| Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop | Drake |
| Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock | Linkin Park |
The win for Linkin Park in the Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock category was a poignant moment in the broadcast. It followed the passing of lead singer Chester Bennington earlier that year. The remaining members of the band accepted the award on stage, dedicating it to Bennington and reminding the audience to appreciate their loved ones.
Host and Presenters: The Faces of the 45th Annual AMAs
The 2017 ceremony was hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, star of the hit ABC sitcom Black-ish. Her selection was strategic, as she brought a blend of comedic timing, fashion-forward energy, and a deep personal connection to the night's Lifetime Achievement honoree, her mother Diana Ross. Tracee Ellis Ross's multiple costume changes and high-energy monologues were well-received, providing a professional and enthusiastic anchor for the three-hour broadcast.
Presenters for the evening included a mix of actors, musicians, and pop-culture figures:
- Viola Davis (introducing the Whitney Houston tribute)
- Chadwick Boseman
- Ciara
- Ansel Elgort
- Kelly Osbourne
- Heidi Klum
The presence of these celebrities ensured that the broadcast appealed to a broad demographic, bridging the gap between the music industry and general Hollywood entertainment.
Cultural Impact: Why the 2017 Broadcast Remains Notable
The 2017 AMAs occurred during a period of significant change in the music industry. The "Despacito" phenomenon was at its peak, signaling a surge in the popularity of Latin music in the US. Simultaneously, the rise of BTS signaled the globalization of pop music.
From a technical standpoint, the 2017 broadcast was a massive undertaking for Dick Clark Productions. The use of multiple remote locations (like Pink’s skyscraper performance) and the integration of real-time social media voting showcased how the AMAs were evolving to meet the demands of a digitally native audience. The 2017 show also focused heavily on "The Power of Women" and "Legacy," themes that were reflected in the tribute to Diana Ross and the selection of Tracee Ellis Ross as host.
The broadcast also saw a notable shift in how "Artist of the Year" was perceived. Bruno Mars’ sweep of the awards solidified his status as the preeminent pop-funk performer of the decade, following the massive success of his 24K Magic album and tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the 2017 AMAs start and end?
The main 2017 AMAs broadcast started at 8:00 PM ET and ended at 11:00 PM ET on November 19, 2017. The red carpet pre-show began two hours earlier at 6:00 PM ET.
Which channel aired the 2017 American Music Awards?
The ceremony was aired exclusively on ABC. In 2017, the network was the sole television home for the event, though digital pre-shows were available on platforms like Twitter.
Who performed at the 2017 AMAs?
The 2017 lineup included BTS, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez, Niall Horan, Imagine Dragons, Demi Lovato, and Diana Ross, among others. Kelly Clarkson and Pink opened the show with a powerful cover of R.E.M.’s "Everybody Hurts."
Who won Artist of the Year at the 2017 AMAs?
Bruno Mars won the Artist of the Year award. He also won several other categories, including Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock) and Favorite Album (Pop/Rock) for 24K Magic.
How was the voting conducted for the 2017 AMAs?
The American Music Awards are fan-voted. In 2017, fans could vote through the official AMAs website or via Twitter. For certain categories, like New Artist of the Year, voting remained open through the first hour of the live broadcast.
Where did the 2017 AMAs take place?
The event was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. This venue is part of the L.A. LIVE entertainment complex located in the downtown area.
Final Recommendations for Historical Research
When researching the 2017 AMAs for academic or media production purposes, it is essential to consult official archives. The American Music Awards official website maintains a database of past winners and ceremony highlights. For specific broadcast technicalities, trade publications such as The Hollywood Reporter or Variety offer detailed contemporary accounts of the production's logistics and Nielsen ratings.
If you are looking for video footage of specific performances, the official ABC YouTube channel often hosts licensed clips of past ceremonies. However, due to music licensing restrictions, full three-hour broadcasts are rarely available for streaming on-demand in their original form years later. Researchers should look for "Electronic Press Kits" (EPKs) or official photo galleries from the 2017 event to verify staging and costume details.
