American Music Awards air tonight with star-studded performances
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10:00 am
American Music Awards Set to Celebrate Music's Biggest Names
The American Music Awards (AMAs) are set to air tonight, promising a night of star-studded performances and celebrating the year's top musical achievements. The show, known for being the world's largest fan-voted awards show, will feature performances from a diverse lineup of artists, including Billy Idol, Keith Urban, and Teyana Taylor.
Queen Latifah will host the awards ceremony, marking her return to the AMAs stage after co-hosting in 1995 and numerous past performances.
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with eight nods, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Album for her recent release. Swift has already secured a record-breaking 40 AMA wins throughout her career. Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sombr are also major contenders, each with seven nominations.
Beyond the awards, the show will feature a series of highly anticipated performances. Billy Idol will receive a lifetime achievement award and perform a medley of his hits. Keith Urban will perform a track from his upcoming album, and Teyana Taylor will showcase music from her album. Additionally, iconic groups like Hootie and the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block, and The Pussycat Dolls will take the stage. K-pop sensation BTS will also make a special appearance, marking their first awards show appearance in four years following their world tour.
Fans can still vote for Social Song of the Year and Tour of the Year online and on Instagram during the first half hour of the show. The AMAs will air on CBS television stations and stream on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
BNN's Perspective: The American Music Awards offer a broad appeal, showcasing a mix of established artists and rising stars. While the fan-voted format can sometimes lead to predictable outcomes, it also ensures a high level of audience engagement. The inclusion of a lifetime achievement award and a diverse range of performers suggests a commitment to celebrating music across genres and generations.
Tags: American Music Awards, AMAs, Taylor Swift, Billy Idol, Keith Urban, Teyana Taylor, Queen Latifah, BTS, Music Awards, Performances, Awards Show, Music, CBS, Paramount+, Nominations, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year.