Queen Latifah will return to host the 52nd American Music Awards, set for Memorial Day, May 25 on CBS, the network and Dick Clark Productions announced Monday. This will be Queen Latifah’s second time as host of the awards, having previously co-hosted in 1995.
“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,” said Latifah. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”
The 2026 AMAs will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, its first time at the venue. The show will air live coast-to-coast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” said Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions. “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.”
Created by producer Dick Clark and first awarded in 1974, the AMAs celebrate the year’s top achievements in music determined by the fans. Nominations for this year’s AMAs will be announced on Tuesday, April 14.
Queen Latifah is a Grammy-winning artist and Oscar-nominated actress whose career spans music, film, television, and production. She earned an Academy Award nomination, along with Golden Globe and SAG nominations, for her role as “Mama Morton” in Chicago. More recently, she headlined and executive produced CBS’ The Equalizer. She is next set to reprise her role as “Ellie” in Ice Age: Boiling Point.
This year’s awards show will feature 50 categories, up from last year’s 37, with a focus on emerging talent in “breakthrough” categories including 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.
Additional details, including performers, presenters, and special honorees for the 52nd AMAs, will be announced in the coming weeks.
The American Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions. DCP is owned by Deadline parent Penske Media Corporation, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge.
