Queen Latifah commenced her role as host of the 2026 American Music Awards with a remarkable monologue that truly suited her iconic status.
The 56-year-old rapper and actress opened the ceremony on Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Addressing the audience, Latifah expressed, “I have to say, it feels amazing to be back here hosting the AMAs after 31 years. Can you believe that? Some members of BTS weren’t even born back then. That Black don’t crack, baby! If someone had told me 31 years ago that I’d be back on this stage, with a stack of awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, transitioning from music to film, I probably would’ve asked, ‘Who are you calling a trailblazer?’”
She also took a moment to honor the country’s military veterans, as the awards show coincided with Memorial Day.
This isn’t Latifah’s first time leading the AMAs. She made her co-hosting debut with Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan during the January 1995 show.
In an April press release, she expressed her excitement about returning to the American Music Awards stage. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”
Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, shared enthusiasm about Latifah’s return after three decades. “We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” he remarked. “A true powerhouse and trailblazer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists, making her the perfect choice to lead a night of celebrating the biggest names and most defining moments in music.”
Though Latifah has been more focused on acting recently, she is also celebrated for her impact on hip-hop. Nearly two decades after her last studio album, 2009’s Persona, she revealed to Us Weekly in May 2025 that she is “finding my pen again.”
“We’re going to see what comes of that,” she hinted about her possible return to music. “I’m pretty open. There are rap artists I’d love to collaborate with, as well as rock artists.”
Despite acknowledging that the music landscape has changed since the 1980s, Latifah is eager to experiment with her sound.
“I want to explore house music. I’ve been making house music since my first album,” she elaborated. “I definitely want to venture into that and have some fun. I could also do reggae. There are so many genres I feel capable of exploring — and, of course, more jazz.”
When it comes to collaborations, Latifah mentioned several artists she hopes to work with in the future.
“I love Doechii. I would do anything with Doechii,” she shared with Us. “She is dope. She sounds like she’s from my era. She drew from all the great rappers of my era, for sure, and she produces. She can do no wrong in my eyes.”
After joining Megan Thee Stallion during her 2025 Coachella set, Latifah commented, “We don’t have a record together so that could always be fun.”
Latifah is also keen to collaborate with Missy Elliott again, following their 2009 track, “Fast Car.”
“I would love to work with Missy again,” she said. “[Missy and I] have a couple of records that we have never put out through the years. I have so much music that I haven’t put out that I need to put out. I already have half the collaborations that I would’ve wanted to do.”
