Queen Latifah Takes the Stage as Host for the 2026 American Music Awards
Queen Latifah will return to host the 52nd American Music Awards, scheduled for Memorial Day, May 25, on CBS. This marks her second time as host, having previously co-hosted the awards in 1995, as announced by the network and Dick Clark Productions on Monday.
“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,” Latifah expressed. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”
The 2026 AMAs will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, making its debut at this venue. The show will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and will be available for live streaming on Paramount+.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” said Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions. “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 celebrating the biggest names and most defining moments in music.”
Established by producer Dick Clark in 1974, the AMAs honor the year’s top musical achievements as determined by fan votes. Nominations for this year’s awards will be revealed on Tuesday, April 14.
Queen Latifah is a Grammy-winning artist and Oscar-nominated actress, known for her extensive career in music, film, television, and production. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as “Mama Morton” in Chicago, as well as Golden Globe and SAG nominations. More recently, she starred in and executive produced CBS’s The Equalizer, and is set to reprise her role as “Ellie” in Ice Age: Boiling Point.
This year’s awards show will feature 50 categories, an increase from last year’s 37, with a focus on emerging talent in various “breakthrough” categories, including Breakthrough Touring Artist, Breakthrough Album of the Year, and Breakthrough Pop Artist, among others.
Further details, including performers, presenters, and special honorees for the 52nd AMAs, will be announced in the coming weeks.
