Queen Latifah to host the 2026 AMAs, becoming the first solo host of both the Grammys and the AMAs

A milestone hosting gig

Queen Latifah is set to host the 2026 American Music Awards on May 25, taking the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. According to Billboard, she will become the first person ever to have solo-hosted both the Grammys and the AMAs, having previously hosted the Grammys back in 2005. "All roads lead back to music for me," she told the outlet. "Everything I've done in my career, it all started with music."

The 52nd American Music Awards will air live on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

What to expect from the show

Taylor Swift leads this year's nominations with eight nods. Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr each follow with seven nominations apiece.

On the performance and awards front, Billy Idol will receive the lifetime achievement award and deliver his first-ever AMAs performance. Karol G will perform and pick up the international artist award of excellence. The full performer lineup also includes Hootie and the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, New Kids on the Block, Riley Green, sombr, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, The Pussycat Dolls with Busta Rhymes, and Twenty One Pilots.

On hosting and who does it well

Latifah has been candid about what separates a great host from a famous face reading a teleprompter. Comfort with spontaneity, the ability to make the material feel personal, and genuine ease in front of a live room are her benchmarks. She pointed to Jamie Foxx and Billy Crystal as standout examples from her own viewing history.

Beyond this gig, Latifah is also confirmed as a coach on The Voice this fall, alongside Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and Riley Green. Her previous solo hosting credits include the BET Awards in 2010, the NAACP Image Awards in 2023 and 2024, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2024.