How to watch the 2026 American Music Awards

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Queen Latifah next to American Music Awards trophy and logo - American Music Awards

The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) — aka the world's largest music awards show voted by fans — returns on Memorial Day. Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the awards will honor the most popular songs and artists of the past year. That includes Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar, Alex Warren, SOMBR, RAYE, and of course, Taylor Swift.

It's sure to be a talent-filled evening, packaged with grand performances and tributes. Plus, of course, some major winners and upsets. Here's everything you need to know to watch the AMAs live at home.

When are the American Music Awards?

The 52nd AMAs will take place on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Queen Latifah will host the awards live from Las Vegas.

What channel are the AMAs on?

For the second year in a row, the AMAs will air live on CBS for those with cable. And because we're in the age of streaming, CBS's streaming sibling Paramount+ will also simulcast the awards show via its Paramount+ Premium tier only. The Paramount+ Essential plan will only get you access to the on-demand broadcast the day after the awards air.

How to watch the American Music Awards live without cable

For those who no longer have cable or access to their local CBS network, you'll have a few different options for tuning in live and for free.

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The easiest way to watch is through a Paramount+ Premium subscription. The streamer itself no longer offers a free trial, but if you sign up through Prime Video, you'll get seven days of free streaming.

You can also opt for a live TV streaming service that broadcasts your local CBS station, which will allow you to watch for free with a trial if you're a new subscriber. Scroll for a breakdown of the best ways to watch the American Music Awards live and for free.

Watch for free: Paramount+ Premium free trial

As noted above, Paramount+ no longer offers a seven-day trial for new subscribers. But if you have an Amazon Prime account, you can still score a free week of streaming with the Paramount+ Premium add-on. That'll allow you to easily tune in to the AMAs for free.

If you can't score a free trial, the only other way to save some money on a Paramount+ Premium subscription is by opting for the annual plan over the monthly plan. Usually $13.99 per month, the price drops down to just $11.67 per month if you pay for a year up front. That's about 17% in savings.

Paramount+ Premium (Prime Video add-on)

free 7-day trial, then $13.99/month Get Deal↗Paramount+ Premium annual subscription

Watch for free: YouTube TV free trial

While it's a lot more expensive than Paramount+, YouTube TV will also give you live access to local channels, including CBS, so you can tune in to the AMAs as they're happening. And if you've never signed up previously, you'll get a 10-day trial to watch for free. Just set a reminder to cancel before the 10 days are up, or you'll be hit with a $67.99 blow to your bank account. After three months, that price then jumps back up to the full cost of $82.99.

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YouTube TV

More ways to watch the AMAs live

• Fubo Sports (CBS included)— 5-day free trial, then $45.99 for your first month ($55.99/month thereafter)

• Hulu + Live TV (CBS included) — 3-day free trial, then $89.99 per month

• Paramount+ Premium for Students — $6.99/month for 12 months $13.99/month (save $7/month)

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