The 52nd Annual American Music Awards (AMAs) are set to take place tonight, May 25, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Hosted by Queen Latifah, the ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. (cbsnews.com)
Nominees and Categories
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with eight nods, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for "The Life of a Showgirl," and Song of the Year for "The Fate of Ophelia." Close contenders include Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, Sombr, and Morgan Wallen, each with seven nominations. (music-news.com)
This year introduces twelve new categories, such as Breakout Tour, Breakthrough Album of the Year, and Best Throwback Song, reflecting the evolving music landscape. (en.wikipedia.org)
Performances and Special Appearances
The AMAs will feature a diverse lineup of performances spanning various genres. Notable acts include:
Billy Idol: The rock legend will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and perform a medley of his hits. (music-news.com)
Keith Urban: Set to perform a track from his upcoming album "Flow State." (cbsnews.com)
Teyana Taylor: Nominated for Best Female R&B Artist, she will deliver a medley from her album "Escape Room." (cbsnews.com)
BTS: The K-pop superstars will make a special appearance, marking their first awards show in four years following their military service hiatus. (cbsnews.com)
Other performers include Hootie & the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block, The Pussycat Dolls with a guest appearance by Busta Rhymes, Karol G, Maluma, Riley Green, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and Twenty One Pilots. (cbsnews.com)
How to Watch
The AMAs will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Viewers can also vote for categories like Social Song of the Year and Tour of the Year during the first half-hour of the show. (cbsnews.com)
Conclusion
With a star-studded lineup and a host of new categories, the 2026 American Music Awards promise to be a memorable event, celebrating the best in music and honoring artists across a wide spectrum of genres.