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16 Forgotten ’80s Music Award Shows That Faded Away

Take a nostalgic ride through 16 music award shows from the 1980s that once rocked the stage but quietly disappeared into history.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 4 min read
16 Forgotten ’80s Music Award Shows That Faded Away
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The 1980s were packed with an explosion of award shows. While some thrived, others fizzled out over time. This list revisits 16 unique music award shows that once lit up the 80s but have since vanished from the spotlight.

1. The CableACE Music Awards

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Created to honor excellence in cable television before the Emmys opened their doors, it included several music categories. It was one of the few spaces where cable-only artists got recognition. However, once mainstream awards began to embrace cable content, its purpose gradually diminished.

2. The American Video Awards

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Aired on ABC, this short-lived award show tried to counter MTV’s influence by celebrating the best in music video production. It drew big acts early on but couldn’t keep up with MTV’s cultural dominance.

3. The Rock Music Awards

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Launched to give rock artists their own spotlight separate from pop-dominated ceremonies. It featured edgy performances and honored bands ignored by mainstream shows.

4. The USA Music Challenge Awards

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This event blended competition with celebration, allowing fans to vote live for their favorite acts. While innovative for its time, poor promotion hurt its reach.

5. The Record World Awards

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Hosted by the now-defunct Record World magazine, this award show carried weight in industry circles. It mirrored Billboard’s influence but focused on niche and up-and-coming talent.

6. The National Rock Awards

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Backed by a handful of FM radio stations, this ceremony was hyper-focused on rock-only categories. Though it featured well-known artists, the production felt local rather than national.

7. The Billboard Disco Awards

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These awards exploded in popularity during the disco era and clung on into the early ’80s. However, when disco’s popularity crashed, so did the relevance of this glitzy event.

8. The Pop Music Hall Awards

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Attempting to blend pop culture and music into one flashy TV special, this award show leaned heavily on celebrity appearances. Lacking a clear identity, it felt like a knock-off of more established shows.

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An international competition based in Tokyo, it showcased global talent, including many American acts. Often referred to as “the Eastern Eurovision,” it had grand ambitions but little U.S. exposure.

10. The Bravo Music Awards (U.S. Edition)

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Adapted from the popular German awards, the U.S. edition tried to gain traction among teen audiences. Despite strong performances and flashy production, it struggled to connect with viewers.

11. The Urban Contemporary Awards

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Designed to honor Black artists in R&B, soul, and funk before the BET Awards existed. It filled a gap in the awards landscape but received limited television exposure.

12. The Music Express Magazine Awards

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Tied to the Canadian magazine but held in the U.S. for a few years, this show focused on North American talent. Despite showcasing big names, the low-budget aesthetic turned off viewers.

13. The Dance Music Awards

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Geared toward DJs, dance acts, and producers, this was one of the earliest nods to club culture. It featured high-energy performances but had limited mainstream interest.

14. The FM Music Awards

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Organized by radio programmers, this show highlighted acts dominating airwaves over sales charts. It was a DJ favorite, but listeners found it too insider-focused. Without mass appeal, it disappeared before hitting its third year.

15. The International Music Video Awards

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Broadcast in select U.S. cities and European markets, it sought to celebrate cross-border music videos. While ambitious, licensing and broadcast limitations crippled its growth.

16. The R&B Showcase Awards

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Primarily targeted at underground and independent R&B talent, this show had a passionate, small following. Without major label support, it struggled to book headliners. It faded quietly, though some artists still mention it as a career milestone.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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