Music awards are an opportunity to honor and celebrate the work of those behind the magic of a chart-topping single or album. That work includes musicians, songwriters and producers who make the final product a reality. The breadth of music awards is vast, with many different categories recognizing the work of artists and bands from all genres.
The most recognizable award show is probably the Grammys, which has been around since 1959 and recognizes achievements in the recording industry. The show has been criticized in the past for pitting commercial interests against artistic ones. A study in 2006 by professors Mary Watson and Narasimhan Anand showed that the Grammy categories evolved to legitimize certain musical genres while excluding others, such as rap music, which wasn’t given an official award until 1989.
As far as performances go, the Grammys are known for delivering some wild spectacles. From Miley Cyrus’ controversial performance in 2013 of “Blurred Lines” to the iconic dance moves by Beyonce at the VMAs in 2015, there have been some memorable moments over the years.
Other notable music awards include the Billboard Music Awards, which have been around since 1990 and honor the most popular acts in America’s music scene based on song and album sales, streaming, airplay, touring and social engagement. Drake is currently the record holder for most Billboard Music Awards won with 34, followed by Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber with 26 and 29 respectively.
The MTV Video Music Awards have been around since 1984 and are another prestigious music award show that honors the most popular videos released each year. It’s also been called the “Oscars of the Music Industry” and has had its share of controversial moments over the years.
This year’s 2021 AMAs will be hosted by three-time nominee Cardi B and will feature performers by Maroon 5 and Kendrick Lamar, Fifth Harmony, James Bay, Drake, John Legend, Selena Gomez and Nicki Minaj. Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharaoh are also set to present.
In addition to the prestigious Grammys, there are a number of other music awards that take place throughout the year. The iHeartRadio Music Awards, which are presented by iHeartRadio and are voted on by the fans, air in October and honor the best in pop music. The American Music Awards, which have been around since 1955 and honor the most popular artists in America, also air in November.
While music awards are a fun way to recognize artists and their hard work, it’s important to remember that platforms like Reprtoir truly facilitate industry growth and efficiency. To find out how Reprtoir can help elevate your music business, reach out to us today. We’re happy to help!