Teen Choice Awards
The Teen Choice Awards was an annual American television awards ceremony broadcast on the Fox network from 1999 to 2019, honoring the year's most popular entertainers, athletes, and influencers in categories spanning music, film, television, sports, fashion, and digital media, as determined by online fan voting from teenagers aged 13 to 19.[1][2][3] Created by executive producers Bob Bain and Michael Burg specifically to appeal to a teen audience older than that of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards, the event emphasized youth culture and featured live musical performances, celebrity skits, and appearances by teen idols.[4][5] Winners received customized surfboard trophies, symbolizing the fun and freedom of summer, with designs often personalized to reflect the recipient's style or achievements.[1] Voting opened weeks before the ceremony, initially limited but expanded over time to allow up to 10 votes per category per day via the official website, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms, making it one of the most interactive awards shows for its demographic.[3][6] The 21st and final edition aired live from Hermosa Beach, California, on August 11, 2019, drawing 722,000 viewers—its lowest rating ever—amid shifting viewing habits and the rise of streaming platforms.[7][8] Despite its end, the awards influenced pop culture by amplifying teen-driven trends and launching careers for stars like Taylor Swift, who received the inaugural Icon Award in 2019 after winning 27 surfboards overall.[2][9]History
Inception and Early Years
The Teen Choice Awards were established in 1999 by the Fox Broadcasting Company in partnership with Seventeen magazine and Planet Hollywood, becoming the first major awards show dedicated exclusively to recognizing achievements in entertainment as determined by teenage voters. This initiative drew inspiration from the growing influence of teen fan voting in music and pop culture, where magazines like Seventeen already engaged young readers through reader polls on favorite artists and shows. The format emphasized popularity over critical acclaim, allowing teens aged 13 to 19 to submit ballots via mail or online, reflecting the era's burgeoning teen market in media.[10] The inaugural ceremony was held on August 1, 1999, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and aired on August 12, 1999, on the Fox network, without a formal host but with celebrity presenters including Britney Spears. The event focused primarily on music and television categories, celebrating teen-oriented hits and series, and featured performances by artists like Spears and Blink-182. Key winners included Britney Spears, who won Choice Single for "...Baby One More Time" and Choice Summer Single for "Sometimes," highlighting her dominance in pop music at the time. The television breakout Dawson's Creek also claimed top honors, winning Choice TV Drama and Choice TV Actress for its star Katie Holmes, underscoring the show's appeal to young audiences.[11][12] In its early years, the awards experienced rapid growth, expanding from an initial lineup of categories centered on core entertainment sectors to over 40 by 2002, incorporating more diverse nods to film, sports, and internet phenomena. A signature element introduced from the start was the surfboard-shaped trophy, designed to evoke the carefree spirit of summer and California's surf culture, which resonated deeply with the teenage demographic. This evolution helped solidify the Teen Choice Awards as a staple of youth-oriented television, broadcast annually on Fox and fostering direct engagement with fans through voting.[13][14]Expansion and Format Evolution
Following the initial years of the Teen Choice Awards, the event underwent significant expansion in the mid-2000s, incorporating technological advancements to boost teen engagement. In 2005, online voting was introduced through the Fox-affiliated TeenPeople.com website, allowing fans to cast ballots digitally for the first time, alongside text messaging options to further democratize participation.[15] This shift marked a pivotal evolution in the format, transitioning from pre-announced winners to a more interactive process that aligned with the growing accessibility of the internet among teenagers. By the early 2010s, these changes had dramatically increased voter turnout, with over 85 million votes recorded in 2010 and exceeding 100 million by 2011, reflecting the awards' rising popularity and the format's appeal to a digitally savvy demographic.[16][17] Category expansions during this period broadened the awards' scope to encompass emerging facets of teen culture. Sports categories were added in 2003, honoring athletes like Kobe Bryant as Choice Male Athlete, acknowledging the intersection of entertainment and athletics in youth interests.[18] Web and digital categories debuted in 2009 with the Choice Web Star award, won by Lucas Cruikshank for his "Fred" series, recognizing the burgeoning influence of online content creators.[19] By 2012, further diversification included dedicated comedy categories, such as Choice Comedy Actress, and seasonal summer awards like Choice Summer Male Movie Star, awarded to Chris Hemsworth for Snow White and the Huntsman, allowing the event to capture timely pop culture moments.[20] These additions helped the awards evolve from a primarily film, TV, and music focus to a more holistic celebration of teen entertainment trends. Viewership peaked in the mid-2000s, drawing an estimated 4.4 million viewers for the 2008 broadcast, hosted by figures like Rob Schneider in earlier years such as 2005 alongside Hilary Duff, which contributed to the event's high-energy vibe.[21][22] The ceremony shifted to prominent venues like the Gibson Amphitheatre starting in 2005, accommodating larger audiences and elaborate productions. In the 2010s, format tweaks enhanced the live experience, including structured performance segments that integrated high-energy group acts and the introduction of voting waves—multiple rounds of nominations announced progressively—to build anticipation. By 2015, social media integration advanced further, with fans using specific hashtags on platforms like Twitter to nominate candidates in categories such as Choice Web Star, streamlining the process and amplifying online buzz.[23] These developments underscored the awards' cultural impact, mirroring shifts in teen pop culture, particularly the post-2005 surge in reality TV popularity, which prompted expanded categories like Choice Reality Star to honor shows and personalities from that genre.[24] Overall, the expansions and format evolutions positioned the Teen Choice Awards as a dynamic barometer of youth preferences, adapting to technological and entertainment trends while maintaining its fan-driven core.Decline and Indefinite Hiatus
Beginning in the mid-2010s, the Teen Choice Awards experienced a marked decline in viewership, reflecting broader shifts in how younger audiences consumed entertainment. The 2017 ceremony averaged 1.7 million viewers, but this number dropped to 1.03 million in 2018 and further to a record low of 722,000 in 2019, representing a more than 50% decrease over two years.[7][25] This downturn contrasted sharply with earlier peaks, such as the 1.7 million viewers in 2017, amid growing competition from digital platforms and other youth-oriented awards like the MTV Video Music Awards.[26] The final ceremony took place on August 11, 2019, at an outdoor beachfront stage in Hermosa Beach, California, hosted by actress Lucy Hale and YouTuber David Dobrik.[27] The event featured 28 categories spanning movies, television, music, sports, and digital media, with performers including Kacey Musgraves, Bebe Rexha, and Jonas Brothers.[28] Despite efforts to incorporate social media influencers and streaming-era nominees, the broadcast's low ratings underscored the awards' fading relevance in a landscape dominated by on-demand content.[7] Following the 2019 event, Fox placed the Teen Choice Awards on indefinite hiatus, with no further ceremonies announced or held as of 2025.[25] The decision aligned with industry trends, as teen media consumption increasingly shifted toward streaming services like Netflix and TikTok, reducing the appeal of traditional broadcast awards shows.[29] Additional factors included heightened scrutiny over the format's reliance on producer overrides of fan votes and its commercial focus, which drew criticism for prioritizing sponsorships over authentic teen preferences.[30] Over its 21 editions from 1999 to 2019, the Teen Choice Awards played a significant role in spotlighting youth-driven pop culture, amplifying emerging artists and actors while fostering fan engagement through online voting. However, it faced ongoing critique for its overt commercialism, including branded categories and promotional tie-ins that often overshadowed artistic merit.[30] The hiatus marked the end of a format that, while influential in the early 2000s, struggled to adapt to evolving digital ecosystems.Format
Voting and Nomination Process
The Teen Choice Awards were fundamentally fan-driven, with voting open primarily to teenagers aged 13 to 19 residing in the United States, though no formal age verification was required to participate.[8] Fans submitted votes primarily through the official website (initially Fox.com and later TeenChoiceAwards.com) and, starting in the early 2010s, via Twitter using category-specific hashtags.[31] Text messaging emerged as an additional method in later years, allowing participants to cast votes directly to a designated short code.[32] The nomination process began with the production team, led by Fox and executive producers Bob Bain and Michael Burg, selecting an initial slate of candidates based on popularity indicators such as box office earnings, chart rankings, and cultural impact within teen demographics.[33] In early years, a committee further influenced selections, but fans then contributed during a brief nomination round—typically lasting a few days in June—by tweeting support for preferred candidates using hashtags like #TeenChoice and the relevant category, helping to shape the final list of five nominees per category.[34][15] This fan input was followed by multiple voting rounds for the finalized nominees, culminating in the final vote period of one to two weeks immediately before the August ceremony.[35] Voting rules evolved to ensure fairness and prevent abuse, with a limit of one vote per category per day introduced by 2008 across online, text, and later social media methods, later expanding to up to 10 votes per day per platform.[32] Participation peaked in the 2010s, with over 150 million total votes cast in 2018 alone, reflecting the awards' massive engagement among young audiences.[8] Eligibility centered on entertainment releases and performances from roughly the prior 12 to 15 months, spanning summer of the previous year through early summer of the ceremony year, with international entries becoming more prominent after 2010.[36] Winners were determined by the nominee receiving the highest percentage of valid votes in each category, tabulated electronically by the production company Teenasaurus Rox, though producers reserved the right to select from the top vote-getters if necessary.[37][38]Award Categories Overview
The Teen Choice Awards encompassed a wide array of categories recognizing achievements in entertainment, sports, digital media, and other areas popular among teenagers, with the majority focused on movies, television, and music. These categories evolved over the years to reflect changing teen interests, starting with an initial set in 1999 that primarily highlighted music and television accomplishments, such as Choice Music Artist and Choice TV Show, before expanding to include film and sports by the early 2000s.[12][39] The structure of the categories typically featured gender-specific splits for individual honors, such as Choice Movie Actor and Choice Movie Actress, alongside group or general awards like Choice Movie of the Year, to accommodate diverse teen preferences. In 2005, summer-specific categories were introduced to celebrate seasonal hits, including Choice Summer Movie and Choice Summer TV Show, aligning with the awards' timing during the summer break. By 2007, the lineup further broadened to incorporate breakout talent and antagonist recognitions, such as Choice TV: Breakout Star and Choice Movie Villain, enhancing the scope to 40 or more categories annually. The total number of categories peaked at 77 in 2018, with roughly 70% dedicated to entertainment fields like movies, TV, and music, about 20% to sports and digital/web stars, and the remainder to miscellaneous honors like fashion and comedy moments.[40][41][42] All competitive winners received a distinctive surfboard-shaped trophy, typically a silver-painted wooden board measuring about 5 feet in length and customized with the winner's name and category, symbolizing the youthful, beachy vibe of the event. Multi-time winners received additional surfboards for each win. Non-competitive elements included honorary recognitions for emerging talents through breakout categories, though the awards did not feature a dedicated lifetime achievement honor until later special accolades like the Decade Award were introduced in the 2010s.[13][43][39]Categories
Movies
The movie categories at the Teen Choice Awards debuted in 1999 with the inaugural Choice Summer Movie award, recognizing popular summer theatrical releases such as Varsity Blues. Over the subsequent years, these categories expanded considerably to encompass a broader range of film genres and performances; by 2010, more than 12 subcategories existed, including Choice Movie: Action, Choice Movie: Drama, Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Choice Movie: Comedy, Choice Movie Actor, Choice Movie Actress, Choice Movie Villain, and Choice Movie Chemistry. This growth reflected the awards' emphasis on teen-oriented cinema, with nominations and wins driven largely by fan voting that favored high-profile blockbusters. The Twilight saga emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the movie categories, accumulating 41 wins across its run from 2008 to 2012, including multiple Choice Movie: Romance, Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Robert Pattinson, and Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Kristen Stewart. Similarly, Jennifer Lawrence secured nine wins tied to the Hunger Games franchise between 2012 and 2016, including Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for each of the four installments (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1, and Mockingjay – Part 2), along with Choice Movie Chemistry and Choice Movie Liplock awards shared with co-stars. These victories underscored the awards' alignment with massively popular young adult adaptations that resonated strongly with teenage audiences. Trends in the movie categories highlighted a consistent preference for teen blockbusters, exemplified by the theatrical release High School Musical 3: Senior Year, which won multiple awards in 2008, including Choice Movie: Musical/Comedy, Choice Movie Actor: Musical/Comedy for Zac Efron, and Choice Movie Actress: Musical/Comedy for Vanessa Hudgens (earlier franchise entries won in television categories). International films remained infrequent honorees until the Harry Potter series gained traction in the 2000s, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 claiming seven awards in 2011 alone, such as Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Emma Watson. The categories prioritized box office appeal and fan favorites over critical reception, often spotlighting franchises with broad youth demographics. Specific categories like Choice Movie – Breakout Star, introduced in 2002, celebrated emerging talents in film, with early recipients including Keisha Castle-Hughes for Whale Rider and later honorees such as Zac Efron for his breakout performance in the High School Musical films. Over the awards' 21-year span from 1999 to 2019, the movie sections issued hundreds of accolades across evolving subcategories, consistently reflecting popularity metrics from teen voters rather than industry critiques.Television
The television categories of the Teen Choice Awards debuted in the inaugural 1999 ceremony, initially encompassing a handful of awards such as Choice TV Show: Drama and Choice TV Actress, aimed at recognizing popular scripted series appealing to teen audiences.[12] Over the subsequent years, the category lineup expanded significantly to reflect evolving viewing habits and genre diversity, incorporating subgenres like action, sci-fi/fantasy, and reality competition by the mid-2000s. By 2015, the television segment featured more than 15 distinct categories, including Choice TV Show: Comedy, Choice TV Actor: Drama, Choice TV Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Choice TV Villain, Choice TV Scene Stealer, and Choice TV Breakout Star, allowing for broader acknowledgment of ensemble casts, antagonists, and emerging talents.[44] A pivotal shift occurred post-2005 with the formal introduction of reality TV-specific awards, such as Choice TV: Reality Show, which captured the surge in unscripted programming popular among teens. American Idol dominated this space, securing the Choice TV: Reality Show award multiple times, including in 2009, and earning individual honors for contestants like Adam Lambert as Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star that year.[45] The Choice TV Villain category, added in 2007, further diversified recognition by celebrating memorable antagonists, with winners like Ed Westwick for Gossip Girl in 2008 and 2010 highlighting the appeal of complex, teen-relatable foes in serialized dramas.[46] Standout winners underscored the awards' focus on youth-driven narratives, particularly from network and cable series. Glee amassed numerous victories between 2009 and 2015, including Choice TV: Comedy in 2011 and 2013, along with acting nods for stars like Cory Monteith and Lea Michele, totaling at least a dozen surfboards for the ensemble musical comedy.[47][48] Similarly, Selena Gomez earned seven Teen Choice Awards tied to her role as Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place from 2009 to 2013, with wins in Choice TV Actress: Comedy in 2009, 2010, and 2011, plus breakout and summer series honors that celebrated the Disney Channel's family-friendly fantasy hit.[49] As streaming platforms gained prominence, the categories adapted to include online-exclusive and hybrid content starting around 2016, broadening eligibility beyond traditional broadcast. Stranger Things marked an early milestone for Netflix series, receiving nominations in 2016 and clinching Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show in 2017, followed by additional wins like Choice Summer TV Show in 2019, signaling the awards' embrace of binge-worthy, genre-blending stories.[50] Overall, the television categories have spotlighted over two decades of teen-centric programming, from Disney Channel staples to reality phenomena, consistently prioritizing fan-voted favorites that resonate with adolescent cultural touchstones.[39]Music
The music categories at the Teen Choice Awards debuted in 1999, featuring initial honors such as Choice Music Single and Choice Music Love Song, reflecting the era's teen-favored pop and R&B hits.[12] By 2004, the lineup had expanded significantly to more than 10 categories, incorporating distinctions like Choice Music Male Artist, Choice Music Female Artist, Choice Music Group, Choice Music Song, Choice Music Album, Choice Music R&B Track, Choice Music Hip-Hop Track, and Choice Music Rock Track, allowing broader recognition of diverse genres popular among young audiences.[51] Taylor Swift holds the record for the most Teen Choice Awards won by an individual musician, with 26 total victories, many in music categories tied to her Fearless era; in 2010 alone, she secured four, including Choice Music Country Female Artist, Choice Music Country Album (Fearless), and Choice Music Country Song ("Fifteen").[52][53] Pop acts have dominated the music wins, exemplified by One Direction's 28 awards from 2012 to 2016, spanning categories like Choice Music Group and Choice Music Single Group, underscoring the awards' emphasis on boy band phenomena and fan-driven popularity.[54] The Choice Music Collaboration category, introduced in 2005 after evolving from Choice Music Hook Up (2002–2004), has highlighted notable duets and features; for instance, Katy Perry featuring Juicy J won in 2014 for "Dark Horse."[55] In 2018, new categories like Choice Music Latin Song were added to capture emerging trends, including viral and genre-blending tracks that resonate with teens.[39] Over the awards' run from 1999 to 2019, music categories totaled dozens across years, resulting in hundreds of honors that prioritized chart-topping teen idols, summer anthems, and youth-oriented recordings.[56]Sports
The sports categories of the Teen Choice Awards recognize exceptional athletic performances that resonate with teenage audiences, spanning mainstream professional sports and extreme disciplines such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. These awards were introduced in the inaugural 1999 ceremony, featuring distinctive categories like Choice Extreme Female Athlete to highlight action-oriented feats appealing to youth culture.[10] Typically limited to four to six categories annually, the sports honors include Choice Male Athlete, Choice Female Athlete, Choice Action Sports Male/Female Athlete, and occasional team or summer-specific recognitions tied to major events like the Olympics. By 2003, the Choice Male Athlete and Choice Female Athlete categories were prominently featured, with nominees encompassing basketball stars, racers, and skateboarders such as Kobe Bryant, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Tony Hawk. Kobe Bryant claimed the Choice Male Athlete award that year for his contributions to the NBA.[57][58] The categories evolved to incorporate more international talent starting in the mid-2000s, reflecting global teen interests in soccer and other sports. Soccer icon David Beckham, for instance, won the Choice Male Athlete award multiple times, including in 2008—beating out Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant—and in 2010. Swimmer Michael Phelps earned the Choice Male Athlete honor in 2005 following his Olympic successes.[59][60][61] Tennis star Serena Williams stands out among female recipients, winning Choice Female Athlete in 2014 amid her Grand Slam dominance, as well as in 2018 and 2019 for her enduring impact on the sport. Basketball phenom LeBron James also secured multiple victories, including the 2014 Choice Male Athlete award and the 2018 edition. Overall, these categories—totaling approximately 80 awards across the ceremony's run—foster a connection between athletic excellence and entertainment by celebrating figures who embody energy, skill, and relatability for young fans.[55][1][62][63]Web and Digital
The Web and Digital categories at the Teen Choice Awards were introduced in 2010 to recognize emerging online personalities and content creators, beginning with awards such as Choice Web Star and Choice Twit, reflecting the growing influence of social media platforms among teenagers.[29] These initial categories focused on user-generated content, including viral videos and social networking stars, with winners like Sophia Grace and Rosie, a British duo known for their YouTube covers, taking home the Choice Web Star award in 2012, marking an early inclusion of international online talents.[64] The categories emphasized digital innovation separate from traditional media, prioritizing platforms like YouTube and Twitter for their direct engagement with teen audiences. By 2012, the awards expanded with additions like Choice Web Star: Comedy, and further diversified in 2014 to include specialized honors such as Choice Web Star in Music, Dance, Fashion/Beauty, and Gaming, resulting in 13 digital categories that year.[29] This growth continued into subsequent years, incorporating awards for Web Show, Creator, Viral Moment, and Fandom by the mid-2010s, alongside the introduction of Choice Snapchatter in 2016 to celebrate Snapchat influencers, with Kylie Jenner as the inaugural winner.[65] Notable recipients included YouTube comedian Tyler Oakley, who won Choice Web Star: Male in 2014 for his relatable vlogs and social advocacy content.[55] These categories highlighted the shift toward digital teen culture, spotlighting user-generated online series and viral phenomena that resonated with younger demographics through platforms like Vine and Instagram.[29] Over the awards' run from 2010 to 2019, the Web and Digital sections issued dozens of honors annually—peaking at around 14 in 2016—capturing the evolution of social media's role in entertainment before the event's indefinite hiatus.[66]Miscellaneous
The miscellaneous categories of the Teen Choice Awards feature lighthearted, fan-driven honors that celebrate personalities, styles, and moments beyond core entertainment, sports, and digital realms, often emphasizing comedy, fashion, and seasonal highlights. Introduced as early as 1999 to infuse the ceremony with playful elements, these awards include early examples like Choice Hottie for male and female celebrities, which recognized rising stars' appeal from the outset.[10] Notable winners in these categories underscore their popularity among teen voters; for instance, Zac Efron received the Choice Male Hottie award in 2007 for his breakout role in High School Musical.[67] Comedy-focused honors, such as Choice Comedian, debuted later and went to figures like Ellen DeGeneres in 2011 for her humorous television presence.[68] Fashion accolades, including Choice Red Carpet Fashion Icon (Female), were awarded starting in 2009 to Selena Gomez for her style influence.[69] Seasonal categories added a timely, summery vibe, with Choice Summer Song recognizing hit tracks since 1999 and continuing through 2019; "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber claimed the honor in 2017.[39] Similarly, Choice Liplock celebrated memorable on-screen kisses, with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart from Twilight winning in 2009 for their romantic scene.[70] These categories evolved variably across the awards' run, peaking in variety during the mid-2010s with additions like Choice Male Athlete Crush and Choice Female Athlete Crush in 2013 to capture fan crushes on sports figures, alongside ongoing staples that emphasized fun and relatability. Overall, they contributed a whimsical, non-competitive layer to the event, fostering engagement through over 150 million fan votes annually in later years.[71]Ceremonies
Hosts and Performers
The Teen Choice Awards ceremonies from 1999 to 2019 featured a rotating lineup of hosts, typically young celebrities or teen idols to resonate with the audience, with 21 unique hosting configurations across the events. Early iterations, such as the 1999 premiere, lacked a formal host, instead relying on performers like Britney Spears to open the show.[72] By 2003, the format shifted to include dedicated emcees, exemplified by comedian David Spade's solo hosting role that year. Subsequent years highlighted duos or ensembles, including Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in 2004, who brought a playful celebrity dynamic to the proceedings. In the peak popularity era during the 2010s, hosts often included rising stars from music and television, such as the Jonas Brothers in 2009, who engaged the crowd with their pop appeal. Katy Perry co-hosted the 2010 ceremony alongside Glee cast members Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, and Kevin McHale, blending music and comedy segments.[73] Other notable examples include Demi Lovato and Kevin McHale in 2012, emphasizing multi-tasking roles where hosts also presented awards or participated in skits. Later lineups featured diverse talents like John Cena and Victoria Justice in 2016, who incorporated wrestling flair into the show's energetic vibe, and a presenter-heavy format in 2017 with no single official host, featuring introductions by Logan Paul and Jake Paul. The final 2019 event was emceed by Lucy Hale and David Dobrik, marking a blend of television and digital influencer presence.[62] Musical performances formed a cornerstone of each ceremony, usually involving 15 to 20 acts tied to music nominations, showcasing live sets that highlighted emerging and established teen-oriented artists. Representative highlights include the Jonas Brothers' performance in 2009, which energized the Gibson Amphitheatre audience. Justin Bieber's pre-recorded performance of "U Smile" in 2010 capitalized on his breakout fame. Collaborations were frequent, such as Demi Lovato and Cher Lloyd's duet in 2014, which integrated seamlessly with award presentations. The 2019 finale featured acts like OneRepublic's "Rescue Me" and Bazzi's set, underscoring the show's emphasis on contemporary pop and R&B sounds. Hosts frequently multitasked by joining performances or dance numbers, enhancing the interactive, wave-like crowd energy that became a production staple starting around 2010. The hosting format evolved from solo emcees in the early 2000s to larger ensembles in the 2010s to better engage the teen audience.Venues and Broadcast Details
The Teen Choice Awards ceremonies took place at several prominent venues in the greater Los Angeles area, evolving from smaller hangars to larger amphitheaters and arenas to accommodate growing audiences and production scale. The inaugural event in 1999 and the second in 2000 were held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, a versatile aviation-era hangar with a capacity of around 4,000 that provided an intimate setting for the early fan-voted show.[11][74] Beginning in 2001, the ceremonies shifted to the Universal Amphitheatre (later renamed the Gibson Amphitheatre) in Universal City, California, where they remained through 2013; this 6,000-seat venue became synonymous with the awards during their expansion phase, hosting high-energy performances and presentations in a theater-in-the-round format that enhanced audience interaction.[75][76] Subsequent years saw further venue changes to meet logistical demands, including the Shrine Auditorium in 2014 after a planned site was unavailable due to flooding, the Galen Center at the University of Southern California in 2015 and 2017, and The Forum in Inglewood for 2016 and 2018, the latter offering a 17,500-seat capacity for larger crowds and elaborate stage setups.[77][78][79] The 2019 ceremony marked a departure with an outdoor stage on Hermosa Beach near the pier, the first beachfront hosting in the show's history, emphasizing a casual, summery vibe amid the coastal setting.[80][81] All Teen Choice Awards were broadcast exclusively on the Fox network, typically airing live on a Sunday evening in August from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, with tape-delayed presentation on the West Coast to align with prime time slots across time zones.[82][83] This scheduling allowed for real-time engagement with teen voters via online and text platforms, though post-2005 broadcasts increasingly incorporated taped segments and quick post-production edits to streamline pacing and highlight key moments like surfboard presentations. The production utilized multi-camera setups to capture dynamic reveals and performances, evolving from basic live telecasts in the early 2000s to more polished formats with pre-show coverage streamed online via Fox's digital platforms.[84]| Year Range | Venue | Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2000 | Barker Hangar | Santa Monica, CA | Intimate hangar setting; capacity ~4,000 |
| 2001–2013 | Universal/Gibson Amphitheatre | Universal City, CA | Theater-in-the-round; hosted growth era |
| 2014 | Shrine Auditorium | Los Angeles, CA | Emergency venue switch due to flooding |
| 2015, 2017 | Galen Center | Los Angeles, CA | University arena; ~6,000 seats |
| 2016, 2018 | The Forum | Inglewood, CA | Large-scale arena; up to 17,500 capacity |
| 2019 | Hermosa Beach Outdoor Stage | Hermosa Beach, CA | Beachfront debut; open-air format |
Special Awards
Do Something Awards
The Do Something Awards originated in 1996 as the BR!CK Awards, an initiative by the non-profit organization Do Something to recognize teenagers under 25 who demonstrated exceptional activism and community service. This program formed a partnership with the Teen Choice Awards, initially serving as an official pre-party event in 2008 to blend youth empowerment with entertainment, and from 2009 onward, the honors were presented alongside the main ceremony to highlight teen-led social initiatives. The Do Something Award became a category within the Teen Choice Awards starting in 2008, while the standalone VH1 ceremony continued until 2015.[85] The awards featured categories focused on specific causes, including the flagship Do Something Award for outstanding young activists, as well as celebrity recognitions for contributions to areas like anti-bullying, environmental conservation, health advocacy, and community health. Nominations were primarily fan-submitted through Do Something's platform, with the organization verifying eligibility to ensure genuine impact. Notable recipients included Chad Bullock in 2008 for his anti-tobacco awareness campaign, Taylor Swift in 2011 for her education-focused charity efforts through the "Speak Now... Help Now!" benefit concert, Demi Lovato in 2011 for her anti-bullying advocacy, and Lady Gaga in 2011 for promoting LGBTQ rights.[86][87] Beyond accolades, the awards provided tangible support, with top nominees receiving $10,000 community grants and the grand prize winner awarded $100,000 to advance their projects, fostering sustained activism among youth. The partnership amplified awareness of teen-driven causes, encouraging fan engagement and tying events to fundraising for issues like health and environmental protection.[88]Other Honorary Awards
In addition to the standard competitive categories, the Teen Choice Awards have featured several honorary awards recognizing lifetime achievements, cultural impact, and milestones in entertainment. These honors, often selected by the show's producers but sometimes fan-voted, highlight individuals or groups for their enduring influence on teen audiences, often presented as customized surfboards or special trophies. Unlike fan-voted categories, these awards emphasize broader contributions to music, film, television, and pop culture. No special awards have been presented since the final ceremony in 2019. The Ultimate Choice Award, one of the ceremony's highest honors, was first introduced to celebrate overall impact and has been bestowed on select icons since the early 2000s. Recipients include Britney Spears in 2009 for her pioneering role in teen pop, Taylor Swift in 2011 for her songwriting and crossover success, Ashton Kutcher in 2013 for his multifaceted career in acting and philanthropy, Selena Gomez in 2014 amid her rising stardom in music and television, and Miley Cyrus in 2017 as a nod to her evolution as an artist and advocate.[39][89][68] Decade Awards recognize artists or acts for a full ten years of sustained popularity and innovation. The inaugural recipient was Justin Timberlake in 2016, honoring his transition from boy band member to solo superstar. Subsequent winners include Maroon 5 in 2017 for their chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, and the Jonas Brothers in 2019 for their comeback and enduring fanbase after a hiatus.[90][91][92] The Visionary Award salutes creative trailblazers who have reshaped their fields. Gwen Stefani received it in 2005 for blending pop, rock, and fashion in her solo work following No Doubt. Bruno Mars was honored in 2017 for his genre-fusing music and showmanship that revitalized retro influences in contemporary pop.[39][68][93] Other rare honors include the Icon Award, debuted in 2019 and awarded to Taylor Swift for her transformative career spanning albums, tours, and advocacy for artists' rights. Britney Spears also received a specialized Candie's Choice Style Icon Award in 2015, celebrating her enduring fashion influence. For exceptional performances in a single ceremony, recipients of five or more awards, such as Selena Gomez's six wins in 2013 across music, film, and TV categories, have occasionally been acknowledged with enhanced presentations to underscore their dominance.[94][95][96] Over the awards' history, producers have presented around 20 such special recognitions, focusing on milestone achievements rather than annual competition, to inspire and reflect the evolving tastes of young viewers.Records
Most Wins
The Teen Choice Awards have recognized numerous artists, actors, and projects over their 21-year run, with certain individuals and groups accumulating the highest number of victories across categories like music, film, and television. Taylor Swift holds the record for the most wins by an individual, with 26 awards primarily in music categories from 2008 to 2019.[97] One Direction leads overall with 28 wins, mostly in music and fan-voted categories between 2012 and 2015.[98] Other prominent recipients include Justin Bieber with 23 wins (2010–2017, spanning music and TV), Miley Cyrus with 19 (2007–2017, including film and music), and Selena Gomez with 18 (2009–2018, across TV and music).[52][99]| Recipient | Total Wins | Primary Categories | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Direction (group) | 28 | Music, Fandom | 2012–2015 |
| Taylor Swift (individual) | 26 | Music | 2008–2019 |
| Justin Bieber (individual) | 23 | Music, TV | 2010–2017 |
| Miley Cyrus (individual) | 19 | Music, Film | 2007–2017 |
| Selena Gomez (individual) | 18 | TV, Music | 2009–2018 |