How to watch the American Music Awards without cable
The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) — aka the world's largest fan-voted music awards show — returns on Monday, May 26. Live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the awards will not only honor the most popular songs and artists of the year, but also our country's troops in celebration of Memorial Day.
It's sure to be a talent-filled evening packaged with grand performances and tributes. Plus, of course, some major winners and upsets. Here's everything you need to know to watch the AMAs live at home.
When are the American Music Awards?
The 51st AMAs will take place on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Jennifer Lopez will host the awards live from Las Vegas.
What channel are the AMAs on?
For the first time, the AMAs will air live on CBS for those with cable. Previous American Music Awards broadcasts aired on ABC. Because we're in the age of streaming, CBS's streaming sibling Paramount+ will also simulcast the awards show via its Paramount+ with Showtime tier only. The Paramount+ Essential plan will only get you access to the on-demand broadcast the day after the awards air.
How to watch the American Music Awards live without cable
For those who no longer have cable or access to their local CBS network, you'll have a few different options for tuning in live (and maybe even for free).
The easiest and cheapest way to watch is through a Paramount+ with Showtime free trial. However, the trial is only for brand-new subscribers. If you don't qualify for the trial, you can also opt for a live TV streaming service that broadcasts your local CBS station and score a free trial offer. Here's a breakdown of the best options and the best deals.
Watch on Paramount+
As noted above, Paramount+ offers a seven-day trial for new subscribers only. If you fall into that camp, you can easily tune into the AMAs for free. Not eligible for the trial? You'll have to sign up for a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription to watch live for $12.99 per month. The Paramount+ Essential plan will only give you access to the broadcast the day after the ceremony on-demand. If you can manage to avoid spoilers in this day and age, it's the cheaper option at $7.99 per month.
Fortunately, you can still save money on either tier by opting for an annual plan rather than a monthly plan. Usually $12.99 per month for the plan with Showtime, the price drops down to just $10 per month if you pay for a year up front. That's about 23% in savings. If you opt for the Essential plan, you'll save over 30% by paying for an annual subscription for $59.99 rather than paying $7.99 monthly.
Watch on YouTube TV
While it's a lot more expensive than Paramount+, YouTube TV will also give you live access to local channels, including CBS, so you can tune into the AMAs as they're happening. And if you've never signed up previously, you'll get a five-day trial to watch for free. Just cancel before the five days are up, or you'll be hit with a $59.99 blow to your bank account. After two months, that price then jumps back up to the full cost of $82.99.
Honorable mentions
DirecTV Stream Choice Package (CBS included in some areas) — $59.99 for your first month, then $89.99 per month
FuboTV Pro Plan (CBS included in some areas)— 7-day free trial, then $64.99 per month for your first month ($84.99 per month thereafter)
Hulu + Live TV (CBS included) — 3-day free trial, then $82.99 per month