2026 American Music Awards: How to Watch, Performers & Full Nominees List

American Music Awards 2026 Quick Facts:

The American Music Awards (AMAs) return Monday, May 25, 2026, celebrating the year’s biggest artists, songs and albums across genres. Airing live on CBS and Paramount+, the fan-voted awards show will feature performances from some of music’s biggest stars, major comeback moments and one of the most competitive nominee fields in recent years.

Here’s everything to know about watching the 2026 AMAs, including the host, performers, presenters and full nominees list.

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In This Article:

• How to Watch the AMAs
• AMA Host & Performers
• What to Expect
• 2026 AMA Nominations
• Nomination Process
• New AMA Categories for 2026
• AMA Presenters
• AMA Special Awards

How to Watch the American Music Awards

The 52nd American Music Awards will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, broadcasting live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Fans can watch the 2026 American Music Awards live on CBS or stream the ceremony with a Paramount+ subscription.

For viewers planning to stream the event, a Paramount+ Premium subscription is required to access the live feed of your local CBS affiliate. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to watch the event on demand beginning Tuesday, May 26.

Cord-cutters can also stream the AMAs live without cable using a live TV streaming service that carries CBS, like DIRECTV.

Find your local CBS channel here.

Whether you’re watching on CBS or streaming online, DIRECTV makes it easy to stay up to date on all the biggest award shows and live entertainment events throughout the year.

Who is Hosting the AMAs?

31 years after her first appearance as AMA co-host, the iconic musician, actor and producer Queen Latifah is back to host the 2026 American Music Awards.

Who is Performing at the AMAs?

While surprises are sure to be part of the night, there are already plenty of both rising stars and throwback music icons confirmed to be taking to the stage at this year’s ceremony:

• Billy Idol (Lifetime Achievement Award recipient)
• KAROL G (International Artist Award of Excellence recipient)
• Darius Rucker (Veterans Voice Award) alongside Hootie & the Blowfish
• KATSEYE
• Keith Urban
• Maluma
• New Kids on the Block
• The Pussycat Dolls + Busta Rhymes
• Riley Green
• SOMBR
• Teddy Swims
• Teyana Taylor
• Twenty One Pilots

What to Expect at the 2026 AMAs

The 2026 AMAs are shaping up to be one of the most competitive ceremonies in recent years, with Taylor Swift leading the nominations and breakout artists like SOMBR, Olivia Dean and Alex Warren not far behind.

Fans are also anticipating comeback moments from acts including Billy Idol, New Kids on the Block and The Pussycat Dolls, while BTS’ return to the nomination list is likely to drive major social buzz throughout the night.

Who are the Most Nominated Artists in 2026?

This year’s AMA nominations include music released during the March 21, 2025 through March 26, 2026 eligibility period.

Here are the artists with the most nominations heading into the 2026 AMAs:

• Taylor Swift – 8 nominations
• Olivia Dean – 7 nominations
• Sabrina Carpenter – 7 nominations
• SOMBR – 7 nominations
• Morgan Wallen – 7 nominations
• Alex Warren – 6 nominations
• Lady Gaga – 6 nominations

2026 AMA Nominations: Featured Categories

Here’s a closer look at the nominees competing in some of the night’s biggest categories.

Artist of the Year

• Bad Bunny
• Bruno Mars
• BTS
• Harry Styles
• Justin Bieber
• Kendrick Lamar
• Lady Gaga
• Morgan Wallen
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Taylor Swift

New Artist of the Year

• Alex Warren
• Ella Langley
• Katseye
• Leon Thomas
• Olivia Dean
• Sombr

Album of the Year

• Cardi B – Am I the Drama?
• Fuerza Regida – 111xpantia
• Justin Bieber – Swag
• Lady Gaga – Mayhem
• Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
• Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• Playboi Carti – Music
• Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
• Tate McRae – So Close to What
• Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl

Song of the Year

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• Huntrix: Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – “Golden”
• Kehlani – “Folded”
• Leon Thomas – “Mutt”
• Morgan Wallen – “I’m the Problem”
• Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Sombr – “Back to Friends”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Male Pop Artist

• Alex Warren
• Benson Boone
• Ed Sheeran
• Harry Styles
• Justin Bieber

Best Female Pop Artist

• Lady Gaga
• Olivia Dean
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Tate McRae
• Taylor Swift

Complete 2026 AMA Nominees List

And here are the remaining nominations:

General Categories:

Collaboration of the Year

• BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman – “All the Way”
• David Guetta, Teddy Swims and Tones and I – “Gone Gone Gone”
• Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae – “What I Want”
• PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• Shaboozey and Jelly Roll – “Amen”
• Tinashe and Disco Lines – “No Broke Boys”

Social Song of the Year

• PinkPantheress – “Illegal”
• Role Model – “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out”
• Tyla – “Chanel”
• Zara Larsson – “Lush Life”

Best Music Video

• Katseye – “Gnarly”
• Rosalía, Björk and Yves Tumor – “Berghain”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”
• Tyla – “Chanel”

Best Soundtrack

• F1 the Album
• Hazbin Hotel: Season Two
• KPop Demon Hunters
• Wicked: For Good
• Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights

Tour of the Year

• Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter Tour
• Kendrick Lamar and SZA – Grand National Tour
• Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball
• Oasis – Oasis Live ’25 Tour
• Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Breakout Tour (NEW)

• Benson Boone – American Heart World Tour
• Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour
• The Marías – Submarine Tour
• Megan Moroney – Am I Okay? Tour
• Sleep Token – Even in Arcadia Tour

Breakthrough Album of the Year (NEW)

• Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• Sombr – I Barely Know Her
• Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun

Best Throwback Song (NEW)

• 4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up?”
• Black Eyed Peas – “Rock That Body”
• Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris”

Best Vocal Performance (NEW)

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• Huntrx: Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – “Golden”
• Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
• Raye – “Where Is My Husband!”
• Sienna Spiro – “Die on This Hill”

Song of the Summer (NEW)

• Alex Warren – “Fever Dream”
• Bella Kay – “Iloveitiloveitiloveit”
• BTS – “Swim”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• Harry Styles – “American Girls”
• Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
• PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• Sombr – “Homewrecker”
• Tame Impala and Jennie – “Dracula”
• Taylor Swift – “Elizabeth Taylor”

Pop Categories:

Breakthrough Pop Artist (NEW)

• Katseye
• Sienna Spiro
• Zara Larsson

Best Pop Song

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• Huntrix: Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami – “Golden”
• Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Pop Album

• Lady Gaga – Mayhem
• Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
• Tate McRae – So Close to What
• Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl

Country & Folk Categories:

Best Male Country Artist

• Jelly Roll
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• Riley Green
• Shaboozey

Best Female Country Artist

• Ella Langley
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Lainey Wilson
• Megan Moroney
• Miranda Lambert

Best Country Duo or Group

• Brooks & Dunn
• Old Dominion
• Rascal Flatts
• Treaty Oak Revival
• Zac Brown Band

Breakthrough Country Artist (NEW)

• Sam Barber
• Tucker Wetmore
• Zach Top

Best Country Song

• BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman – “All the Way”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• Morgan Wallen – “Just in Case”
• Russell Dickerson – “Happen to Me”
• Shaboozey – “Good News”

Best Country Album

• BigXthaPlug – I Hope You’re Happy
• Megan Moroney – Cloud 9
• Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
• Sam Barber – Restless Mind
• Tucker Wetmore – What Not To

Best Americana/Folk Artist (NEW)

• Lord Huron
• The Lumineers
• Mumford & Sons
• Noah Kahan
• Tyler Childers

Hip-Hop & R&B Categories

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

• Don Toliver
• Kendrick Lamar
• Playboi Carti
• Tyler, the Creator
• YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

• Cardi B
• Doechii
• GloRilla
• Sexyy Red
• YK Niece

Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist (NEW)

• EsDeeKid
• Monaleo
• Pluto

Best Hip-Hop Song

• Cardi B – “ErrTime”
• Drake – “Nokia”
• Gunna and Burna Boy – “WGFT”
• Playboi Carti and The Weeknd – “Rather Lie”
• YK Niece, Metro Boomin, Quavo and Breskii – “Take Me Thru Dere”

Best Hip-Hop Album

• Cardi B – Am I the Drama?
• Don Toliver – Octane
• Gunna – The Last Wun
• Playboi Carti – Music
• YoungBoy Never Broke Again – MASA

Best Male R&B Artist

• Bruno Mars
• Chris Brown
• Daniel Caesar
• PartyNextDoor
• The Weeknd

Best Female R&B Artist

• Kehlani
• Summer Walker
• SZA
• Teyana Taylor
• Tyla

Breakthrough R&B Artist (NEW)

• Leon Thomas
• Mariah the Scientist
• Ravyn Lenae

Best R&B Song

• Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
• Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
• Kehlani – “Folded”
• Leon Thomas – “Mutt”
• Mariah the Scientist – “Burning Blue”

Best R&B Album

• Bruno Mars – The Romantic
• Justin Bieber – Swag
• Leon Thomas – Mutt
• Mariah the Scientist – Hearts Sold Separately
• Summer Walker – Finally Over It

Latin Categories:

Best Male Latin Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Junior H
• Peso Pluma
• Rauw Alejandro
• Tito Double P

Best Female Latin Artist

• Gloria Estefan
• Karol G
• Natti Natasha
• Rosalía
• Shakira

Best Latin Duo or Group

• Clave Especial
• Fuerza Regida
• Grupo Firme
• Grupo Frontera
• Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda

Breakthrough Latin Artist (NEW)

• Beéle
• Kapo
• Netón Vega

Best Latin Song

• Bad Bunny – “Nuevayol”
• Fuerza Regida – “Marlboro Rojo”
• Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera – “Me Jalo”
• Karol G – “Latina Foreva”
• Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco and The Marías – “Ojos Tristes”

Best Latin Album

• Fuerza Regida – 111xpantia
• Karol G – Tropicoqueta
• Netón Vega – Mi Vida Mi Muerte
• Peso Pluma and Tito Double P – Dinastía
• Rosalía – Lux

Rock/Alternative & EDM Categories:

Best Rock/Alternative Artist

• Deftones
• Linkin Park
• The Marías
• Sleep Token
• Twenty One Pilots

Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist (NEW)

• Geese
• Gigi Perez
• Sombr

Best Rock/Alternative Song

• Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
• Linkin Park – “Up From the Bottom”
• Sombr – “Back to Friends”
• Sublime – “Ensenada”
• Tame Impala – “Dracula”

Best Rock/Alternative Album

• Sleep Token – Even in Arcadia
• Sombr – I Barely Know Her
• Tame Impala – Deadbeat
• Twenty One Pilots – Breach
• Zach Bryan – With Heaven on Top

Best Dance/Electronic Artist

• Calvin Harris
• David Guetta
• Fred Again
• Illenium
• John Summit

Global Categories:

Best Male K-Pop Artist

• Ateez
• BTS
• Enhypen
• Stray Kids
• Tomorrow X Together

Best Female K-Pop Artist

• Aespa
• Blackpink
• Illit
• Le Sserafim
• Twice

Best Afrobeats Artist

• Burna Boy
• Moliy
• Rema
• Tyla
• Wizkid

How Are AMA Nominees and Winners Chosen?

Unlike many major music awards shows, the American Music Awards are driven by fan engagement. Nominees are determined using data tracked by Billboard and Luminate, including streaming numbers, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses.

Once nominations are announced, fans can vote for winners through the AMAs website and social media platforms. Select honorary awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and International Artist Award, are chosen by Dick Clark producers and industry representatives.

What New Categories Are at the 2026 AMAs?

The 2026 AMAs will introduce 12 new award categories:

• Best Throwback Song
• Best Vocal Performance
• Best Americana/Folk Artist
• Song of the Summer
• Breakout Tour
• Breakthrough Album of the Year
• Breakthrough Pop Artist
• Breakthrough Country Artist
• Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist
• Breakthrough R&B Artist
• Breakthrough Latin Artist
• Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist

Who Are the Presenters at the 2026 AMAs?

Presenters scheduled for the 2026 AMAs include Hilary Duff, Paula Abdul, John Legend, Ludacris, Nikki Glaser, Jason Derulo, GloRilla, Busta Rhymes, Leon Thomas, Lisa Rinna, Anthony Ramos, Gabriel Iglesias, Hannah Berner, Alysa Liu, Melanie Martinez, Mariah the Scientist, Russell Dickerson, Ejae, Rei Ami, Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs.

AMA Special Awards Recipients

The 2026 American Music Awards will honor three artists with special awards during this year’s ceremony.

• KAROL G will receive the International Artist Award, recognizing her global impact and worldwide popularity.
• Billy Idol will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long influence and success across rock music.
• Darius Rucker will receive the Veterans Voice Award Presented by USAA’s Honor Through Action for his continued support of veterans and military communities.

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From fan-voted showdowns to comeback performances and breakout artists, the 2026 American Music Awards are shaping up to be one of the biggest nights in music.

With DIRECTV, you can get the live channels you need to stay up to date on all things entertainment, from the AMAs to the GRAMMYs and beyond.

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