How to Watch the 2026 American Music Awards Live for Free: Stream BTS, Queen Latifah & More Without Cable

The 2026 American Music Awards are rolling into Las Vegas tonight with a lineup that reads like a fever dream—BTS making their first awards show appearance in four years, Queen Latifah returning to the host stage after three decades, and a genre-spanning roster of performers from KATSEYE to Billy Idol. But for the millions of cord-cutters who’ve ditched traditional cable, the question remains: how do you catch all the live action without a TV subscription? The answer lies in a handful of streaming services offering free trials—and we’ve broken down the best routes to watch the AMAs live, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+.

The AMAs Return to Las Vegas With a Historic Night

First launched in 1973, the American Music Awards have long been a fan-voted counterpoint to industry awards like the Grammys. This year’s ceremony, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, marks the show’s continued westward shift after years in Los Angeles. Host Queen Latifah is no stranger to the AMAs—she co-hosted in 1995 alongside Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan—but this solo gig underscores her enduring Hollywood clout.

Headlining the buzz: BTS’s “special appearance.” While organizers haven’t confirmed a performance, the group’s mere presence is a major draw after members focused on solo projects (RM’s solo album, Jin’s military service, Jung Kook’s “Golden” era) since 2022. Also in the spotlight: KATSEYE, the global girl group formed through the HYBE-Geffen collaboration, bringing their explosive pop energy to the AMAs stage for the first time.

Why Cord-Cutting Makes Award Show Viewing Tricky

The rise of streaming has fractured live-event viewing. While the AMAs air on CBS—a broadcast network traditionally free over the air—many households no longer own antennas. Add in the fact that Paramount+ only streams the show live on its Premium tier ($13.99/month), and the need for a workaround becomes clear. Enter live TV streaming services: they bundle local channels like CBS into a digital package, often with free trials long enough to catch one event and then cancel.

For fans who just want to see BTS’s moment or Queen Latifah’s opening number, these trials are the cheapest ticket in town. But availability of local CBS stations varies by ZIP code, so a bit of pre-show homework is essential.

Best Overall Free Trial: How to Watch AMAs With DIRECTV Stream

DIRECTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial for eligible subscribers and includes CBS in most markets—making it the most reliable one-stop shop. Here’s how to set it up:

• Visit the DIRECTV Stream website.
• Click “Start 5-Day Free Trial.”
• Choose a plan (the basic Entertainment tier includes CBS and 90+ channels).
• Enter your payment info (you won’t be charged until the trial ends).
• Search for CBS and tune in at 8 p.m. ET.

The catch: some markets may not carry local CBS, so check availability before signing up. Cancel within five days to avoid the $89.99/month fee—plenty of time to watch the AMAs and any post-show analysis.

Fubo: A Solid Backup With CBS—But Check Your ZIP

Fubo’s 5-day free trial also includes CBS in supported areas, though its strength lies in sports coverage. The Sports + News tier (starting at $79.99/month after trial) offers CBS, ESPN, and local networks. To watch the AMAs:

• Go to Fubo’s site and start the free trial.
• Enter your ZIP code to confirm CBS is live in your area.
• Search for CBS and start streaming before 8 p.m. ET.

Fubo’s CBS availability is generally strong, but rural viewers may encounter gaps—double-check to avoid disappointment during BTS’s moment.

Paramount+ Premium: The Official Stream (But Not Free)

For those willing to pay, Paramount+ Premium ($13.99/month) offers the most straightforward path: it includes a live CBS feed. No trial is available for Premium, but the show will be available on-demand the next day for all Paramount+ subscribers (including the cheaper Essential plan). To watch live:

• Subscribe to Paramount+ Premium.
• Log in before 8 p.m. ET.
• Navigate to the live CBS stream or the AMAs event page.

This is the best option if you’re a regular Paramount+ user, but for a one-night event, the free trial services are more cost-effective.

Hulu + Live TV: The Upgrade Pick With a Limited Trial

Hulu + Live TV includes CBS (check your ZIP) and over 95 channels for $89.99/month. A 3-day free trial is available for select new and eligible returning subscribers—but it’s not guaranteed. If you qualify, it’s a quick way to watch the AMAs plus the red carpet. Steps:

• Visit Hulu + Live TV.
• Choose the plan and check trial eligibility.
• Confirm CBS in your area.
• Log in by 8 p.m. ET and search for CBS.

This is the priciest option, but it also unlocks Hulu’s on-demand library—a bonus if you stick around.

Red Carpet & Full Event Schedule

Before the main show, CBS Los Angeles airs an “American Music Awards Red Carpet Live” special at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. Preshow coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET. The main ceremony runs from 8-11 p.m. ET. Expect performances from KATSEYE, Hootie & the Blowfish, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and Twenty One Pilots. Billy Idol receives the Lifetime Achievement Award and will perform, while Karol G takes home the International Artist Award of Excellence.

Key Details at a Glance

• Channel: CBS (check local listings).
• Time: Monday, May 25, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
• Host: Queen Latifah.
• BTS: Special appearance—performance TBD.
• Free viewing: DIRECTV Stream or Fubo 5-day trials (if CBS is in your market).

The AMAs have always been about the fans, and in 2026, that means meeting them where they live—online. Whether you’re in it for BTS’s long-awaited return, Queen Latifah’s stage presence, or the sheer spectacle of live award-show chaos, these streaming workarounds ensure you won’t miss a beat. As cord-cutting reshapes how we consume live events, the American Music Awards are proving that even without a traditional cable box, the show—and the fandom—goes on.

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