What Is 2017 Kids' Choice Awards

Overview

The 2017 Kids' Choice Awards celebrated the most popular figures and projects in entertainment as chosen by young fans through online voting. Broadcast live on Nickelodeon, the event highlighted winners across film, television, music, and sports, with a signature emphasis on fun, bright visuals, and the network’s iconic green slime.

This 30th annual edition of the awards marked a milestone for the franchise, blending celebrity appearances, musical performances, and audience-driven humor. The show emphasized interactivity, encouraging kids to vote online for their favorites in over 20 categories.

• March 11, 2017 was the official air date, broadcast live from The Forum in Inglewood, California, marking a shift from previous years’ venues.
• John Cena, WWE superstar and actor, served as host, bringing high energy and comedic timing to the slime-filled stage.
• The Favorite Movie award went to Pete's Dragon, a live-action Disney film that resonated with family audiences in 2016.
• Favorite Frenemies was a new category introduced that year, reflecting the popularity of dynamic duos in kids’ entertainment.
• Online voting determined all winners, with over 200 million votes cast globally, a record for the Kids' Choice Awards at the time.

How It Works

The Kids' Choice Awards are unique in that winners are determined entirely by public voting from children and teens, making it one of the most youth-influenced award shows in the U.S. The process begins months before the ceremony, with Nickelodeon promoting nominees across its platforms.

• Nomination Phase: A panel selects finalists in each category based on popularity and cultural relevance. The nomination phase ran from January 10 to February 24, 2017.
• Voting Mechanism: Fans vote via the Nickelodeon website or app, with each user allowed multiple votes across categories until the deadline.
• Global Participation: In 2017, voting was open in over 180 countries, contributing to the 200 million+ total votes cast.
• Category Types: Awards span film, TV, music, sports, and digital content, reflecting the broad interests of the youth demographic.
• Slime Traditions: Winners are celebrated with green slime showers, a hallmark of the show since its 1988 debut.
• Host Role:John Cena not only hosted but also participated in stunts, including being slimed multiple times during the broadcast.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of major award categories and winners from the 2017 Kids' Choice Awards versus the 2016 edition:

The 2017 awards highlighted a shift in youth preferences, with Pete's Dragon winning over action-heavy films and Sloane Stephens rising in popularity following her Grand Slam performances. The repeat success of Henry Danger and Justin Bieber underscored their sustained appeal among younger audiences.

Why It Matters

The Kids' Choice Awards serve as a cultural barometer for children’s entertainment trends, reflecting what resonates most with a key demographic. Its influence extends beyond ratings, shaping marketing strategies and media visibility for winners.

• Winning a KCA blimp trophy boosts a celebrity’s visibility among children, often increasing social media engagement by up to 30% post-show.
• The event promotes interactivity, teaching young fans how to participate in digital culture through voting and online campaigns.
• Performances by DNCE and Sia introduced their music to millions of children, potentially influencing future concert attendance and streaming habits.
• John Cena’s hosting role reinforced the crossover appeal between professional wrestling and mainstream entertainment.
• The inclusion of digital creators like Boogie2988 signaled Nickelodeon’s recognition of YouTube and online influencers as major players in kids' media.
• With 200 million votes cast, the 2017 show demonstrated the massive reach of Nickelodeon’s global fanbase and digital infrastructure.

Overall, the 2017 Kids' Choice Awards not only entertained but also highlighted the evolving landscape of youth-driven media, where fan engagement directly shapes recognition and success.