What Is 22nd Kids' Choice Awards

Overview

The 22nd Kids' Choice Awards celebrated children's favorite stars, movies, music, and TV shows in a high-energy, slime-filled event that aired live on Nickelodeon. Held on March 28, 2009, the ceremony brought together top celebrities and young fans for a night of fun, interactive voting, and surprises.

Hosted by Kevin James, known for his role in Hitch and the sitcom The King of Queens, the event highlighted Nickelodeon’s unique blend of entertainment and audience engagement. The show continued its tradition of featuring orange carpet moments, celebrity challenges, and the iconic green slime dousing.

• March 28, 2009 marked the official date of the 22nd Kids' Choice Awards, broadcast live from Los Angeles.
• The ceremony was held at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus, a shift from previous years’ venues like the Shrine Auditorium.
• Kevin James served as host, bringing comedic energy and family-friendly humor to the stage throughout the night.
• Over 10 million votes were cast online and via mobile platforms by kids aged 6 to 14, determining winners in 25 categories.
• Notable winners included Miley Cyrus for Favorite Female Singer and “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” for Favorite Movie.

How It Works

The Kids' Choice Awards operate through a unique blend of fan engagement, digital interaction, and live entertainment, making it one of the most kid-driven award shows on television.

• Voting Window: Nickelodeon opened online voting from early February to mid-March 2009, allowing fans to select nominees across entertainment categories.
• Eligibility Period: Nominees were selected based on popularity between January 1, 2008, and February 28, 2009, covering major releases and performances.
• Demographics: The primary voting audience consisted of children aged 6 to 14, with parental supervision required for online participation.
• Platform Access: Voting was available via Nick.com and mobile text services, reflecting Nickelodeon’s push toward digital inclusivity.
• Category Selection: A total of 25 award categories were featured, including TV, film, music, sports, and digital content.
• Slime Zone: The live event included the Slime Zone challenge, where celebrities participated in messy games to win additional votes.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 22nd Kids' Choice Awards compared to the previous two editions in key areas:

The 2009 edition saw increased digital engagement and a slight rise in viewership, peaking at over 7 million viewers during the broadcast. The consistent use of Pauley Pavilion provided a recognizable stage, while Kevin James’ hosting brought a fresh comedic tone compared to previous years’ musical hosts.

Why It Matters

The 22nd Kids' Choice Awards underscored the growing influence of youth audiences in shaping pop culture trends through direct participation. By combining voting technology with live spectacle, Nickelodeon reinforced its brand identity as a leader in kid-centric entertainment.

• The event demonstrated the commercial power of children’s preferences, influencing marketing strategies for music, film, and TV networks.
• Winning a blimp trophy boosted visibility for young stars like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, enhancing their brand appeal.
• Increased online voting reflected a shift toward digital-first audience engagement, setting a precedent for future interactive broadcasts.
• Hosting by a mainstream adult comedian like Kevin James helped broaden the show’s family appeal beyond just younger viewers.
• The awards highlighted the dominance of Disney Channel properties, with “High School Musical 3” and “Hannah Montana” leading multiple categories.
• Green slime remained a cultural symbol of fun and rebellion, reinforcing Nickelodeon’s brand identity across generations.

Ultimately, the 22nd Kids' Choice Awards was more than just a celebration—it was a cultural barometer of what kids loved in 2009, blending entertainment with interactivity in a way few other award shows could match.