The 2026 American Music Awards are almost here, and Us Weekly has essential details for music fans to ensure they catch every moment of the celebration.
“I think the energy of hosting the AMAs is the same energy of hosting the AMAs,” host Queen Latifah shared with the Associated Press in May 2026. “This is one of the biggest nights in music. It always has been.”
She further commented, “Dick Clark Productions created this thing, and you just feel such a joy to be in the building because people that have worked so hard have made it to this moment. It feels light, it feels energetic, not so buttoned-up, and so I’m hoping everybody’s just going to have a good time.”
Continue reading to find out how to watch the 2026 AMAs:
When Is the 2026 American Music Awards?
The AMAs are scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day — at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
What Time Does the 2026 American Music Awards Start?
The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Where Will the 2026 American Music Awards Air?
The awards show will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.
2026 American Music Awards Guest List Revealed
The full list of attendees has not been disclosed, but host Queen Latifah will be joined by performers including Billy Idol, Busta Rhymes, Karol G, Katseye, Keith Urban, Riley Green, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, and The Pussycat Dolls. BTS is also set to make a special appearance.
“There’s several of my favorite artists that will be on this show from Sombr to Olivia Dean,” Latifah hinted to the AP. “And then there’s some secret performances. I can’t give them all up, but we got New Kids on the Block, that’s taking it back to my childhood era, and they’re still rocking.”
The presenters for the AMAs include Alysa Liu, Anthony Ramos, Hilary Duff, John Legend, Lisa Rinna, Ludacris, Nikki Glaser, Paul Abdul, and Matt Rife.
What Queen Latifah Teased About the 2026 American Music Awards
“I think everybody’s going to bring it,” Latifah told the AP in May 2026. “That’s my most exciting part of it because it’s live. You don’t know what’s going to happen and you don’t know what you’re going to see. I love live music, live performances and how the artists feel when they’re in front of an audience, which is what takes it to another level.”
Taylor Swift Makes History at the 2026 American Music Awards
Swift, who holds the record for the most AMAs with 40 awards, has received eight nominations for the 2026 event. She is nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Female Pop Artist, Album of the Year, Best Pop Album, Song of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Pop Song, and Song of the Summer.
She competes for Artist of the Year against Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, BTS, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter.
It remains uncertain if Swift will attend the AMAs in person. She was recently seen in New York City with her fiancé, Travis Kelce, on May 22, 2026.
