You have a few different options for tuning in for free.
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Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
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Table of Contents
The best ways to watch the AMAs at a glance:
RUNNER-UP FOR WATCHING LIVE
free 7-day trial, then $59.99 per month for your first 2 months
ANOTHER WAY TO WATCH LIVE
free 7-day trial, then $64.99 for your first month
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.
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.
Mashable Deals
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.
Free 5-day trial, then $59.99 per month for 2 months
Honorable mentions
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DirecTV Stream Choice Package (CBS included in some areas) — $59.99 for your first month, then $89.99 per month
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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)
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Hulu + Live TV (CBS included) — 3-day free trial, then $82.99 per month
Frequently Asked Questions
Host Jennifer Lopez will also take the stage at the AMAs to perform, alongside Icon Award recipient Janet Jackson, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Rod Stewart, Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp. Additional participants and presenters include Alix Earle, Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Dan + Shay, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, Kai Cenat, Megan Maroney, Nikki Glaser, Shaboozey, Tiffany Haddish, Wayne Brady, and more to be announced.
Kendrick Lamar is the most nominated artist at this year’s American Music Awards with 10 nods, followed closely by Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Shaboozey. See the full list of nominees below or head to the AMAs website.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
Christina received a B.S. in Business Communication (concentration in writing) from Stevenson University and began her professional journey writing and editing press releases. Since then, she’s written content for a marketing agency, blogged for celebrities, and covered local news, politics, women’s lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and just about everything in between for various publications.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and upcycling clothes. You can follow her on Instagram at @touchinfinity.
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