The 2026 American Music Awards kick off tonight, marking the unofficial start of summer. The event celebrates the best in music with performances by artists like Billy Idol, Keith Urban, and Teyana Taylor. The program airs at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS television stations and streams on Paramount+.
The AMAs are renowned as the largest fan-voted awards show globally. While the voting for most categories concluded earlier this month, audience members can still vote online or via Instagram for the ‘Social Song of the Year’ and ‘Tour of the Year’ during the first half hour of the broadcast.
Queen Latifah assumes the role of host this year. She previously co-hosted in 1995 and has performed several times over the years at the AMAs.
Leading the nominations this year is Taylor Swift, with eight nods following the release of “The Life of a Showgirl.” The album contends for ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Pop Album.’ Songs from the album such as “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Elizabeth Taylor” are up for several awards. Swift already holds a record with 40 AMA wins and is nominated again for ‘Artist of the Year’ and ‘Best Female Pop Artist.’
Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sombr follow closely with seven nominations each.
The award ceremony not only focuses on the accolades. Music legend Billy Idol, famous for hits like “Dancing With Myself,” receives a lifetime achievement award and will perform a medley of his iconic tracks.
Keith Urban plans to perform a track from his upcoming yacht rock album “Flow State.” Teyana Taylor, who recently won a Golden Globe, will present a medley from her hit album, “Escape Room.” Other performances include appearances by well-known groups such as Hootie and the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block, and The Pussycat Dolls.
BTS, the renowned K-pop group, will make a special appearance. Having completed a four-year hiatus for mandatory military service, they have embarked on a world tour starting in March and will attend their first awards show in four years at the AMAs. The group is up for three awards.
Here’s a list of all the announced performers at the American Music Awards:
- Billy Idol
- Hootie and the Blowfish
- Karol G
- Katseye
- Keith Urban
- Maluma
- New Kids on the Block
- The Pussycat Dolls, with a guest appearance by Busta Rhymes
- Riley Green
- Sombr
- Teddy Swims
- Teyana Taylor
- Twenty One Pilots
How to Watch the 2026 American Music Awards
What: The 2026 American Music Awards show
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
On TV: Live on CBS television stations. Find your local station here.
Online Stream: Live on Paramount+