Queen Latifah to Host 2026 American Music Awards on CBS

The ceremony airs live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:36am

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An extreme close-up of shimmering sequins and shattered glass, reflecting dramatic studio lighting and capturing the luxurious, high-energy atmosphere of a major awards show.The vibrant energy and high-fashion glamour of the American Music Awards will take center stage as Queen Latifah returns to host the 2026 ceremony.Las Vegas Today

Grammy and Emmy Award winner Queen Latifah has signed on to host the 52nd American Music Awards set for Monday, May 25, 2026. The AMAs will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Vegas and will be broadcast live on CBS.

Why it matters

Queen Latifah is a renowned entertainer and trailblazer, making her the perfect choice to lead the American Music Awards, one of the biggest nights in music. Her return to hosting the AMAs after previously co-hosting in 1995 will bring a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists.

The details

The 2026 AMAs will mark Queen Latifah's return as host after serving as a co-host for the 1995 awards show. The 52nd American Music Awards nominees will be announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and voting will begin on April 14 and wrap on May 8.

  • The 52nd American Music Awards are set for Monday, May 25, 2026.
  • The nominees will be announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Voting for the AMAs will begin on April 14, 2026 and wrap on May 8, 2026.

The players

Queen Latifah

A Grammy and Emmy Award winner, Queen Latifah is a renowned entertainer and trailblazer who has earned an Oscar nomination, a Screen Actors Guild award, and was the first hip-hop artist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her film credits include Jungle Fever, Set It Off, Bringing Down the House, Hairspray, and Hustle, and she starred in and executive produced The Equalizer which ran for five seasons on CBS.

Jay Penske

The CEO of Dick Clark Productions, the company that produces the American Music Awards.

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What they’re saying

“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year. It's been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”

— Queen Latifah

“We're thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards. 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.”

— Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions

What’s next

The 52nd American Music Awards nominees will be announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and voting will begin on April 14 and wrap on May 8.

The takeaway

Queen Latifah's return to hosting the American Music Awards will bring a dynamic and celebrated presence to one of the biggest nights in music, as she leads the celebration of the year's top artists and defining moments.