Exclusive: DeStorm, Christina Grimmie, Karmin Receive Honors from American Music Awards

Whether its Adele, Nicki Minaj Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, all of the above, or some other international music sensations who take home accolades from the American Music Awards this Sunday, November 20, they’ll be accompanied by a set of new media honorees.

For the first time in the AMA’s nearly 40 year history, the major American music awards show is honoring the work of “web content creators who leverage their musical talent to engage viewers and audiences worldwide.”

Orly Adelson, president of dick clark productions (the production company behind the AMAs) told Tubefilter the addition of the New Media Honorees to the Awards show’s list of recognitions of achievement is an indicator of the impact online video has had on the music industry and music fans:

In the last few years, web content creators have established themselves as the new mainstream, this opportunity to acknowledge pioneers in the space who are engaging millions of viewers and fans worldwide – in this case through music – signifies how important new media is to us and to our audiences.

So, who exactly are the inaugural American Music Awards New Media Honorees in the three categories of “male,” “female,” and “group”? They are respectively DeStorm, Christina Grimmie, and Karmin. And how do DeStorm, Christina Grimmie, and Karmin feel about receiving such an honor? We asked them:

DeStorm

It is very humbling knowing that history is being made and I’ve been chosen by the AMA’s to be part of it. I cannot explain the feeling I get when thinking of the generations to come looking back and speaking of these days.The days when old and new media collided.

Christina Grimmie

This is such a huge opportunity and I couldn’t have done it without the blessings of God and the support of my family and “frands” who has always believed in me. A big thanks to the American Music Awards and Dick Clark Productions for this incredible honor.

Karmin

We are beyond grateful to be recognized in the American Music Awards’ New Media Honors. The online music community has given us so much and we are humbled by their continued support. It’s amazing what a little hard work and an internet connection can do!

The honors will be doled out during dick clark productions and Variety’s first annual American Music Conference on November 18. A big congrats to the winners, who rank amongst new media and the music industry’s finest.

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