M-Net will exclusively broadcast the annual American music awards on January 16 at 20h30.

Since its debut in 1974, The American Music Awards has honoured the top musicians of the day as voted by the fans. Awards are presented to the favourite artists in pop/rock, country, soul/R&B, rap/hip-hop, alternative and adult contemporary music.

This annual television special also features performances from today's hottest acts in a wide variety of musical genres. Each year, The American Music Awards also honours an artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music by presenting them with the "Award of Merit." Recipients of this prestigious award include Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan and Janet Jackson.

For the first time in the history of these Music Awards there is a competition for the best-unsigned band or artist in America to perform live during awards. Three finalists are already chosen from 50 qualifying bands to 10 quarter-finalists. The competition is tense as the finalists are heading into the final stretch and are ready to compete on stage at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles where only one will emerge the victor in this most serious battle of bands ever seen.

The show will be aired live on January 9 live in United States. South African music lovers will be able to see the show only on M-Net – a week later on January 16 at 20h30.