What time are the American Music Awards? Time, channel, performers

The 2026 American Music Awards are taking over Sin City this holiday weekend.

The fan-voted award ceremony is set to broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Memorial Day. A-listers, music stars and social media influencers are expected to perform or present at the event.

Music lovers can expect "unforgettable performances" and special moments in a "multi-genre, cross generational celebration of music," according to a press release.

Here's what we know about the 2026 American Music Awards.

When are the 2026 American Music Awards?

The 2026 American Music Awards broadcast live from Las Vegas on May 25.

What time does the American Music Awards start?

The 2025 American Music Awards air live on Memorial Day, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET.

What channel are the American Music Awards?

The show will air on CBS and will stream on Paramount+ and any streaming service with live TV.

According to a news release, the show will also be on different platforms owned by Penske Media, including The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Gold Derby, Variety, Billboard, Deadline, WWD and IndieWire.

Who is hosting the 2026 American Music Awards?

Grammy award-winning musician, critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Queen Latifah will host the 52nd American Music Awards.

Latifah has a longstanding history with the award show, previously serving as co-host in 1995. She's also delivered memorable performances since.

"I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year," she said in a press release. "It's been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas."

Who are the 2026 AMA nominees?

The full nominations for the annual award show were announced April 14, revealing Taylor Swift leading the pack with eight nods for her "Life of a Showgirl" album. Swift will likely add more jewels to her crown, as the music superstar already boasts the most wins in AMAs history.

Protégé Sabrina Carpenter, country star Morgan Wallen and newcomers Sombr and Olivia Dean are not far behind Swift, with seven nominations each. Teyana Taylor, fresh off her debut at the Oscars, is another standout this year with a nomination in the best female R&B artist category.

Click here to see the full nominee list.

How to vote for the 2026 AMA nominees

Fans can vote for their favorite artists by visiting vote.theamas.com. Fans can also vote for two categories on the American Music Awards Instagram page.

Confirmed performers at the American Music Awards

• Twenty One Pilots.
• Hootie & the Blowfish.
• KATSEYE.
• Keith Urban.
• Maluma.
• Riley Green.
• Sombr.
• Teddy Swims.
• Teyana Taylor.
• Billy Idol: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
• Karol G: International Artist Award of Excellence.

UK TODAY's KiMi Robinson contributed to this report.

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