Iconic rapper Queen Latifah will host the 52nd American Music Awards on Memorial Day. Queen Latifah is returning to host the awards show for the second time after 30 years. The American Music Awards have 50 categories, with winners chosen by fan votes. Taylor Swift, an AMA fan favorite, has eight nominations this year, with country star Morgan Wallen and Sabrina Carpenter following behind with seven.
Queen Latifah Returns to Host AMAs
Queen Latifah is an entertainment heavyweight as a rapper, actor, and producer, making her the grand host for the 52nd American Music Awards at the largest venue. This year, the AMA will film at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In 1995, she co-hosted the award show with Lorrie Morgan and Tom Jones, still a rookie in the entertainment world.
But since Queen Latifah first hosted, she has gone on to appear in several films and TV shows, earned an Academy Award, an Oscar, and SAG nominations, and executive-produced a number one TV series on CBS.
According to Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, shared why they chose the “Set it Off” actor to host the award show.
“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.”
Queen Latifah’s Legacy and Impact
The Grammy-winning rapper has a music career spanning over 35 years, releasing her debut album “All Hail the Queen” in 1989. Her rap flow sounds smooth and poetic while also being assertive, using her platform to empower women and African American culture. Queen Latifah was the first woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the ’90s ladies’ anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Queen Latifah has also broken barriers in the TV sitcom genre, becoming a household name as Khadijah James on “Living Single” from 1993 to 1998. Movies under the Queen’s acting resume include “Hairspray,” “Bringing Down the House,” “Life Support,” “Girls Trip,” and “Ice Age: The Meltdown.” In 2006, the “Jungle Fever” star received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first hip-hop artist to do so.
AMAs Voting and Ticket Details
Music fans have over a month before the 52nd American Music Awards premiere, enough time to still vote for their favorite artist. Visit Vote.theamas.com, sign up for free, and start voting. Each participant gets 60 votes per category; use all 60 votes on one artist, or share the love. On Turbo Tuesday, votes are doubled. Voting closes on May 8 at noon Pacific time.
Fans can even go one step further and purchase tickets to the 52nd American Music Awards on the ticket website AXS. Currently, the tickets on the lower end start at $155, and the highest rounds to almost $3,800 before additional fees and taxes. Before buying a ticket, anyone attending the live show must agree to arrive at least 15 minutes before and cannot re-enter the venue once they leave.
AMA Legends and Record Holders
The first American Music Awards aired in 1974, and as of the 2025 American Music Awards, Taylor Swift has the most awards. Swift currently has 40 wins and, in 2019, won the Artist of the Decade Award. Versus the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who holds 24 wins and, in 2002, won Artist of the Century. Jackson was also the first co-host of the American Music Awards with Donny Osmond in 1974.
The R&B diva Whitney Houston has 21 total wins. Country singer Kenny Rogers has 19 wins, and Justin Bieber, who is nominated for four awards this year, already has 18 wins.
AMAs Set for Memorial Day Broadcast
The 52nd American Music Awards will air live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 pm ET on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. Watch to see if your favorite artist wins or is snubbed. More information about the award show, including which artist will perform, will be released closer to the AMA broadcast date.
