There are over 10 major music awards ceremonies that are held annually. Of the top four music awards, the American Music Awards was originally created by Dick Clark in 1973. The American Music Awards, also known as AMAs, are based on a poll taken by music buyers. American Music Awards are given in major genre categories of Pop/Rock, Soul/Rhythm and Blues, Country and Rap/Hip-Hop. Other categories include Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist, Favorite Alternative Artist, and a few others. The last music awards winners were Kelly Clarkson (Artist of the Year), Will Smith and the Black Eyed Peas, to name a few of the recipients. The American Music Awards ceremony is currently held in the latter part of each year.

Billboard Music Awards are also held late in the year, annually in December. Establishing its beginnings in 1990, the Billboard Music Awards, also referred to as the ‘BMAs,’ are issued by popularity. Based on Billboard’s music charts, recording artists receive awards for top-selling albums, artist and single for each individual genre. Their prestigious ‘Century Award’ has been presented to several artists, including George Harrison, Bill Joel, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Sting and more recently, Tom Petty in 2005.

Founded in 1989, the World Music Awards annually present awards to recording artists on an International level. Basing its awards on international sales, the World Music Awards are broadcasted across seven continents and offers awards by Nationality, Legend, Chopard Diamond, and the Millennium Award.

Beginning in 1968, the Country Music Awards are determined by Country Music Association business member votes. Celebrating its 39th annual CMA Awards last year, award was presented to Keith Urban for Entertainer of the Year; additional awards include Female and Male Vocalist of the Year, Horizon, Vocalist Group and Duo of the Year, Single, Musician and Album of the Year, Music Video and Musical Event of the Year, and Song of the Year.

The highest rated, and one of four popular music awards shows, the Grammys are annually held in the United States. Grammy awards are separated into 108 categories comprised of 30 various music genres; including jazz, pop, rock, rap, reggae, Rhythm and Blues, and more. Unlike awards based on sales or popularity, the Grammy is awarded based on peer votes.

Additional Music Awards ceremonies include the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Award, Native American, Soul Train, Edison Classical Music, South African and multiple others.

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