The American Music Awards (AMAs) is an annual American music awards show, created by Dick Clark in 1973 for ABC when the network's contract to present the Grammy Awards expired. Unlike the Grammys, which are awarded on the basis of votes by members of the Recording Academy, the AMAs are determined by a poll of the public and fans, who can vote through the AMAs website. It was first awarded on 19th February, 1974.
2012
The 2012 American Music Awards were held on November 18th, at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles California. This was the first time One Direction had attended. They were nominated for:
1) New Artist
2) Album Pop/Rock - Up All Night
3) Duo/Group - Pop/Rock
However, they did not win any of the awards they were nominated for.
2013
The 2013 American Music Awards were held on November 24th at the Nokia Theater In L.A. One Direction stole the show with their performance of "Story of My Life". They won the AMA for 'Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group' and Take Me Home won Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
2014
The 2014 American Music Awards were held on November 23rd at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. One Direction were the big winners of the night, taking home three awards, all for which they were nominated for:
1) Pop/Rock Album - Midnight Memories
2) Duo or Group - Pop/Rock
3) Artist of The Year
The band received critical and public acclaim for their performance of "Night Changes". The performance was notable for its elaborate set, featuring a giant moon and a meadow setting. Zayn received considerable media attention for his hairstyle which was based on Johnny Depp's Crybaby look.
2015
The 2015 American Music Awards were held on November 22nd at the Nokia Theater In Los Angeles. One Direction won the award for Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group, and, for the second year running, were crowned Artist of the Year. The band performed their single "Perfect" from fifth album Made in the A.M..
2016
Niall Horan and Zayn Malik attended the 2016 American Music Awards separately, as solo artists. Niall performed his debut single This Town, while Zayn won the award for Best New Artist. They briefly greeted one another and shook hands during a commercial break, making this the first known public contact between Zayn and any member of One Direction since his 2015 exit from the band.
2017
Niall Horan won the award for Best New Artist and performed his second single from his debut album, Flicker, Slow Hands.