Las Vegas is gearing up for a star-studded night as the American Music Awards return for their 52nd edition on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. The fan-voted ceremony will take place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and air coast-to-coast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with streaming available on Paramount+.
Queen Latifah will host the event, marking a full-circle moment 31 years after she co-hosted the show in 1995 alongside Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan.
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with eight nods, solidifying her status as the most-awarded artist in AMA history with 40 previous wins.
Her album The Life of a Showgirl is a strong contender for Album of the Year and Best Pop Album, while tracks like “The Fate of Ophelia” compete in Song of the Year and other categories. Swift is also nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Female Pop Artist, Best Music Video, Song of the Summer, and more.
Close behind with seven nominations each are Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, and Sombr. Other major Artist of the Year contenders include Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, BTS, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, and Lady Gaga.
The AMAs celebrate a wide range of genres, with nominations spanning pop, country, Latin, hip-hop, and emerging talent.
Notable Performances
A diverse lineup of performers promises high-energy sets that blend genres. Confirmed acts include KATSEYE, sombr, Hootie & the Blowfish, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, Teddy Swims, Twenty One Pilots, and Teyana Taylor.
Colombian superstar Karol G will perform and receive the International Artist Award of Excellence, honoring her global impact and contributions to Latin music.
This year’s show returns to Las Vegas for the second consecutive time under the new partnership with CBS and Dick Clark Productions. Nominations were announced on April 14, with fan voting opening the same day and closing on May 8 for most categories.
Social Song of the Year and Tour of the Year voting remains open into the broadcast’s first 30 minutes, keeping fans engaged until the final moments.
Queen Latifah expressed excitement about returning to the AMAs stage. The multi-hyphenate entertainer- a Grammy winner, Emmy and Golden Globe winner, and Academy Award nominee brings decades of experience in music, acting, and producing to the hosting role.
Organizers have praised her as a perfect fit to celebrate the “world’s largest fan-voted awards show.”
The AMAs have evolved since their return from a hiatus, emphasizing fan power over industry voting. Past editions have delivered memorable moments, surprise collaborations, and career-defining performances.
This year’s Memorial Day broadcast is expected to highlight both established icons and breakout stars, reflecting the current state of popular music.
Tickets for the in-person event are available via AXS, and anticipation is building across social media. Fans are already debating frontrunners, with Swifties optimistic about another sweep, while supporters of rising acts like Sombr and Alex Warren hope for breakthrough wins.
As the music industry converges on Las Vegas, the 2026 AMAs stand poised to deliver glamour, heartfelt tributes, and chart-topping performances. Whether Taylor Swift extends her record or new voices emerge victorious, the night will celebrate the artists and songs that defined the past year through the ultimate verdict: the fans’ votes.
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