The American Music Awards return to Las Vegas.
CBS and Dick Clark Productions said Tuesday that the 52nd edition of the show will take place on Memorial Day, May 25, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It will air live coast to coast starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Last year’s edition, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, also took place on Memorial Day but was held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Nominations for the 2026 AMAs, which honor “today’s most influential artists and songs,” are based on key fan interactions as reflected in the Billboard charts, including airplay, album and song sales, radio airplay and touring totals. The list of nominees will be revealed on April 14. Winners are chosen through fan votes in a total of 50 categories, which were revealed on Wednesday:
Artist of the year
New artist of the year
Album of the year
Song of the year
Collaboration this year
Social song of the year
Best music video
Best soundtrack
Year tour
Breakthrough touring artist
Breakthrough album of the year
Throwback song of the year
Best vocal performance
Summer song
Best Male Pop Artist
Best pop artist
Breakthrough pop artist
Best pop song
Best pop album
Best Male Country Artist
Best Country Artist
Best country duo or group
Breakthrough country artist
Best country song
Best Country Album
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Best female hip hop artist
Breakthrough hip hop artist
Best hip hop song
Best hip hop album
Best Male R&B Artist
Best R&B Female Artist
Breakthrough R&B artist
Best R&B song
Best R&B Album
Best Latin Male Artist
Best Latin Artist
Best Latin Duo/Group
Breakthrough latin artist
Best latin song
Best Latin Album
Best Rock/Alternative Artist
Breakthrough rock/alternative artist
Best Rock/Alternative Song
Best Rock/Alternative Album
Best Dance/Electronic Artist
Best K-Pop Male Artist
Best kpop artist
Best Afrobeats Artist
Best American/Popular Artist
The show will also include performances and other special moments, which organizers describe as a “multi-genre, multi-generational celebration of music.” Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The American Music Awards were created by Dick Clark Productions. DCP is owned by Penske Media Corporation, Hollywood Reporter Parent company, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge.
Updated at 8:05 a.m. Thursday, March 12: This year’s category names have been added.
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