The 52nd Annual American Music Awards are happening tonight, Monday, May 25, live from Las Vegas. Here is every key detail you need before the show kicks off.
When and Where to Watch
The 2026 AMAs air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
The ceremony is being held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — the largest venue in AMAs history. This is the second straight year the show has moved away from its traditional Los Angeles home.
Queen Latifah Returns After 31 Years
Queen Latifah is hosting the 2026 AMAs — 31 years after she first co-hosted the ceremony back in 1995.
She is the first host to make such a notable hosting return in the show’s history, stepping back behind the mic more than three decades later.
Taylor Swift Chasing More History
Taylor Swift enters tonight with eight nominations, the most of any artist this year.
Swift already holds the all-time record for AMA wins with 40 trophies. Michael Jackson is second with 24, followed by Alabama with 23 and Whitney Houston with 21.
Her nominations this year include Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Pop Album — all for her 2025 release The Life of a Showgirl.
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Justin Bieber Is One Win Away From a Record
Justin Bieber has four nominations at this year’s AMAs and 18 career wins.
If he wins just one award tonight, he will tie Kenny Rogers for the second-most AMA wins among male artists of all time. Only Michael Jackson has more among men.
Karol G Gets a Rare Award Not Handed Out Since Whitney Houston
Colombian superstar Karol G is receiving the International Artist Award of Excellence tonight — an honor that has not been given to anyone since 2009, when Whitney Houston accepted it.
Karol G’s songs have been streamed over 128 billion times across platforms, making her one of the most streamed artists in music history.
Billy Idol Performs for the First Time in 22 Years
Billy Idol is set to take the AMAs stage tonight for the first time since 2004 — a gap of 22 years.
He is also receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony, making this a landmark night for the rock icon.
Hootie & the Blowfish Mark a 30-Year Milestone
Hootie & the Blowfish are performing tonight to mark exactly 30 years since they won Best Pop/Rock New Artist at the AMAs.
The band’s anniversary performance is one of the most anticipated nostalgia moments of the evening.
New Kids on the Block and The Pussycat Dolls Are Back
Both New Kids on the Block and The Pussycat Dolls are scheduled to perform tonight.
The Pussycat Dolls are joined by rapper Busta Rhymes for their set, adding to a lineup that mixes legacy acts with current chart names.
BTS Makes a Special Appearance
BTS is confirmed for a special appearance at tonight’s show.
The group recently landed their song “Swim” at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and they are also nominated across three categories at this year’s AMAs.
Teyana Taylor Is a First-Time Nominee
Singer and actress Teyana Taylor is nominated for Best Female R&B Artist at the AMAs for the first time in her career.
Taylor has had a major year across both music and film. She received an Oscar nomination and won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in One Battle After Another, alongside a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album for Escape Room.
Fan Votes Decide Everything
Unlike most major award shows, AMA winners are chosen entirely by fan votes — not industry panels or academy members.
Voting for most categories closed on May 8. However, two categories — Social Song of the Year and Tour of the Year — remained open until 5:30 p.m. PT on show day.
The Full Performer Lineup
Tonight’s performers include: Billy Idol, Hootie & the Blowfish, Karol G, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, New Kids on the Block, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, The Pussycat Dolls with Busta Rhymes, Twenty One Pilots, and a special appearance by BTS.
