Queen Latifah announced as 2026 American Music Awards host

Queen Latifah is set to return as the host of the 52nd American Music Awards, which will take place on Memorial Day, May 25, as announced by CBS and Dick Clark Productions on Monday. 

Queen Latifah previously co-hosted the awards in 1995, making this her second time leading the event.

“I am thrilled to come back to the stage of the American Music Awards as host this year,” shared Latifah. 

“The past year has been amazing for music, and there's no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”

The 2026 AMAs will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking its debut at that location. 

The show will air live nationwide at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS and will be available for live streaming and on-demand viewing on Paramount+.

“We are ecstatic to have Queen Latifah back as the host of the American Music Awards,” expressed Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions. “A true powerhouse and pioneer, she delivers an energetic presence and a strong connection to both fans and artists alike, making her the ideal choice to lead a celebration of the most prominent names and pivotal moments in music.”

Founded by producer Dick Clark and first celebrated in 1974, the AMAs honor the year's leading achievements in music as voted by fans. This year's AMA nominations will be revealed on Tuesday (April 14).

Queen Latifah, a Grammy-winning artist and Oscar-nominated actress, has a career that spans music, film, television, and production. 

She received an Academy Award nomination, as well as Golden Globe and SAG nominations, for her portrayal of “Mama Morton” in Chicago. 

Recently, she starred in and executive produced CBS’ The Equalizer. Up next, she will reprise her role as “Ellie” in Ice Age: Boiling Point.

This year's awards will showcase 50 categories, up from last year's 37, with an emphasis on emerging talent in “breakthrough” categories such as Breakthrough Touring Artist, Breakthrough Album of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, Breakthrough Country Artist, Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist, Breakthrough R&B Artist, Breakthrough Latin Artist, and Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist.

Further details, including the lineup of performers, presenters, and special honorees for the 52nd AMAs, will be provided in the upcoming weeks.