Queen Latifah is set to host the 2026 American Music Awards, it was announced Monday.
The Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musician, actress and producer will host the 52nd edition of the awards ceremony, which will be held on Memorial Day from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,” Latifah, who previously served as co-host of the award show in 1995 and has hosted the show several times, said in a statement. “It’s been a great year for music and there’s no better place to celebrate it than Vegas.”
After starting her career in hip-hop, earning seven Grammy nominations and winning Best Rap Solo Performance in 1994, Latifah has in recent years focused more on acting and producing, most recently headlining CBS shows. Eq An unforgettable tournament She lives single From 1993-1998. Her other credits include films Go, Live Out Loud, Bring Down the House, The Secret Life of Bees, Hairspray, Last Vacation, Beauty Shop, Girls Trip and Hurry up In addition to her role, which was nominated for an Oscar chicago.
She is the first hip-hop artist to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023 and the National Medal of Arts in 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions and chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, added in a statement. “A true force and pioneer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists, making her the perfect choice to lead a night that celebrates the biggest names and most defining moments in music.”
Latifah succeeds Jennifer Lopez, who hosted last year’s Memorial Day AMAs, held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Nominations for the 2026 AMAs, which honor “today’s most influential artists and songs,” are based on fan interactions as reflected in Billboard’s charts, including airplay, album and song sales, radio airplay and touring totals. Nominees will be announced on April 14 before winners are determined by fan votes in a total of 50 categories.
The 52nd Annual American Music Awards are scheduled to be broadcast live coast to coast at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS and broadcast on Paramount+ on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The American Music Awards were created by Dick Clark Productions. DCP is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge, which also owns Hollywood Reporter.
