The world’s biggest fan-voted awards air live on Memorial Day—here’s what you need to know. By Christina Buff on May 22, 2026. All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs), the world’s largest music awards show voted by fans, returns on Memorial Day. Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the awards will honor the most popular songs and artists of the past year, including Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar, Alex Warren, SOMBR, RAYE, and Taylor Swift. It’s sure to be a talent-filled evening with grand performances, tributes, and some major winners and upsets. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the AMAs live at home. When are the American Music Awards? The 52nd AMAs will take place on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Queen Latifah will host the awards live from Las Vegas. What channel are the AMAs on? For the second year in a row, the AMAs will air live on CBS for those with cable. CBS’s streaming sibling Paramount+ will also simulcast the awards show via its Paramount+ Premium tier only. How to watch the American Music Awards live without cable. For those without cable or access to their local CBS network, there are various options for tuning in live and for free. The easiest way to watch is through a Paramount+ Premium subscription. Although the streamer no longer offers a free trial, signing up through Prime Video gives you seven days of free streaming. Live TV streaming services also broadcast your local CBS station, allowing you to watch for free with a trial if you’re a new subscriber. More ways to watch the AMAs live include YouTube TV, which gives live access to local channels, including CBS. A 10-day free trial is available for new sign-ups. Afterward, the cost is $67.99 monthly for the first three months. Frequently Asked Questions: Who’s performing at the AMAs? Performers include Hootie & the Blowfish, Busta Rhymes, Billy Idol, Karol G, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, New Kids on the Block, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, the Pussycat Dolls, and Twenty One Pilots. Who’s nominated at the 2026 AMAs? Taylor Swift leads with eight nominations, followed by Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and SOMBR with seven each. Nomination categories include Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Best Music Video, and Tour of the Year. Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer covering shopping with a splash of entertainment. When not writing, she’s enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and upcycling clothes.
Ways to View the 2026 American Music Awards
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