AMAs Lineup Revealed: Performers, Nominees, How to Watch

The 2026 American Music Awards are here. The ceremony takes place tonight, Monday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT on CBS. Moreover, the show streams live on Paramount+, which offers a Premium plan starting at $13.99 per month. Furthermore, DirecTV’s streaming service provides a five-day free trial that includes CBS, making it a free option for new subscribers who want to watch tonight without cable.

Viewers who prefer a traditional antenna can also receive CBS for free over the air in most markets. Consequently, fans have multiple ways to tune in regardless of their cable situation.

Who is hosting and performing

Queen Latifah returns to host the 2026 American Music Awards. This marks 30 years since her first time hosting the ceremony. Moreover, her return brings a sense of history to an already significant evening. Furthermore, BTS will make a special appearance during the show, drawing immediate excitement from their massive global fanbase.

The performance lineup for tonight includes a strong mix of established stars and rising acts. Here is who is set to take the stage:

1. Karol G
2. Billy Idol
3. Katseye
4. Sombr
5. Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes

Presenters for the evening include EJAE, Paula Abdul, Nikki Glaser, Alysa Liu, Anthony Ramos, Hilary Duff, John Legend, and Lisa Rinna. Additionally, the winners are decided entirely by fan vote. Consequently, viewers who participated in the voting process already have a stake in tonight’s outcome.

Taylor Swift leads all nominees with 8 nods

Taylor Swift enters the 2026 American Music Awards as the most nominated artist of the night. She received eight nominations in total. Moreover, her nominations span multiple categories reflecting both the commercial and critical success of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, released in October 2025. Furthermore, the album was the best-selling album globally for the entire year.

Here are the categories Swift is nominated in:

1. Artist of the Year
2. Best Female Pop Artist
3. Album of the Year for The Life of a Showgirl
4. Best Pop Album for The Life of a Showgirl
5. Song of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia
6. Best Pop Song for The Fate of Ophelia
7. Best Music Video for The Fate of Ophelia
8. Song of the Summer for Elizabeth Taylor

Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sombr each received seven nominations, making the competition across multiple categories tight. Additionally, last year’s AMAs were hosted by Jennifer Lopez and saw Billie Eilish take home seven awards. Consequently, tonight’s ceremony has a high bar to clear in terms of memorable moments.

Where to watch the 2026 American Music Awards tonight

The ceremony takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show is open to the public, continuing the tradition of fan participation that extends from the voting process to the live audience. Moreover, CBS is available over the air for free with an antenna in most parts of the country. Furthermore, Paramount+ subscribers can stream the live CBS feed directly through the platform with the Premium plan.

DirecTV’s streaming service includes CBS across its streaming packages and in the MySports Genre pack. Additionally, new subscribers can use the five-day free trial to watch tonight’s ceremony without any upfront cost. Consequently, there is no reason any fan should miss the 2026 American Music Awards regardless of how they access television.

Source: Rolling Stone / Yahoo, May 25, 2026