Queen Latifah Returns to Host the 2026 American Music Awards

Thirty years since her American Music Awards hosting debut, Queen Latifah will return to lead the annual ceremony on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Area in Las Vegas.

Latifah previously co-hosted the AMAs in 1995 alongside Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan. The televised live event, which is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP), will return to CBS and Paramount+ on Memorial Day. Tickets for the show are now available on AXS. 

“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,” Latifah said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” said Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions, in a statement. “A true powerhouse and trailblazer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists, making her the perfect choice to lead a night celebrating the biggest names and most defining moments in music.”

Jennifer Lopez hosted last year’s AMAs, which saw Billie Eilish dominate the night with Eilish winning seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Beyoncé garnered the trophies for Favorite Country Album and Favorite Female Country Artist — marking the first time the 11-time AMA winner won in the country music category.

In 2024, Latifah, Missy Elliott, Steven Spielberg, and the late Selena Quintanilla were honored by the White House and were among the cohort of stars set to receive the 2022 and 2023 National Medals of Arts and Humanities.
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Latifah is currently working on her biopic that is being produced by her company Flavor Unit Entertainment, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, and Jesse Collins’ Jesse Collins Entertainment.

Penske Media Corporation owns Dick Clark Productions, which is also the parent company of Rolling Stone.