Disney Channel Grooms Kudocast Franchise with Radio Disney Awards

The Mouse House is stepping up its award show game.

With live award shows grabbing ratings and social media buzz, Disney is now grooming the Radio Disney Music Awards to become a contender.

The event, which will be held on April 26 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, will be taped and telecast the following day on the Disney Channel — for the first time.

“We want to make sure everything we do in the very Disney way is perfect,” said Sean Cocchia, SVP, business operations and g.m., Disney Channels Worldwide.

“Instead of jumping into the live world, let’s take the next step, which is a less-than-24-hour turnaround.”

Zendaya, Austin Mahone and Ariana Grande are among the performers scheduled for the award show, now in its second year.

Nominees include One Direction, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift.

“Music and Disney is incredibly organic, if you think about our theatrical films, to what Disney Channel has done on TV with ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Hannah Montana’,” Cocchia said. “Music has been a part of our lives, and the Radio Disney Music Awards gives you a way to eventize that in one big celebration.”

Cocchia hopes the Radio Disney Music Awards will eventually rival the Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

“There are some shows that are great for adults and there are some shows that are great for kids,” he said. “What we’re trying to create here is something that the family does together.”

The Radio Disney Music Awards airs April 27 on the Disney Channel.

(Pictured: Cody Simpson at the 2013 Radio Disney Music Awards)

Related stories

Dish Launches ESPN, ABC and Disney Internet-Video Services

Hub Network Taps Joey Fatone To Build Primetime Family Block

Disney Greenlights England-set Spooky House Tale 'Evermoor'

Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter