Guide to Tonight’s 2026 American Music Awards: How to Watch the AMAs!
CBS and Paramount+ are set to host the 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) this evening, featuring a star-studded lineup of performances, special honors, and top nominees in various categories. Queen Latifah, the renowned actress, producer, and musician with multiple awards under her belt, will be returning as the host after 30 years, promising an unforgettable night of music and entertainment live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT on CBS, with streaming options available on Paramount+ for those who prefer to watch online. Several live TV streaming services like Hulu+ Live TV, DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and YouTube TV also offer free trials for viewers to catch the action.
For those looking to get a sneak peek before the main event, two red-carpet pre-shows will be aired to showcase the glamour and style of the attendees. CBS will host a livestream featuring Kalyna Astrinos and Grae Drake, starting from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm PT/7:00 pm – 8:00 pm ET, while Billboard will have Tetris Kelly and Chelley Bissainthe hosting their pre-show on various platforms.
Viewers can also join the conversation online by following the AMAs on multiple social media platforms using the hashtag #AMAs. Highlights from the night will be shared on various channels such as the official AMA website, X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, and YouTube to stay updated on the latest news and performances.
The star-studded lineup of presenters, performers, and nominees attending the AMAs includes a diverse range of talent from different genres and industries. From Alysa Liu to Anthony Ramos and John Legend to Paula Abdul, an array of well-known personalities will take the stage to present awards and showcase their talents through performances.
Musical acts like Billy Idol, Karol G, Keith Urban, and twenty one pilots are set to deliver electrifying performances, while nominees like BTS, Tinashe, and Goo Goo Dolls will be attending the event, highlighting the diversity and talent in the music industry.
Special recognitions will also be a significant part of the night, with rock legend Billy Idol receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Karol G being honored with the International Artist Award of Excellence, and Darius Rucker receiving the Veterans Voice Award for his commitment to supporting military organizations.
The AMAs will feature several categories and nominees, with Taylor Swift leading the pack with eight nominations, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Breakout stars Olivia Dean and SOMBR are also among the nominees, alongside first-time nominees like Alex Warren, Leon Thomas, and Tate McRae, promising an exciting and competitive night filled with exceptional talent and music.