Queen Latifah is set to host the 2026 American Music Awards, it was announced Monday.
The Grammy- and Emmy-winning musician, actress and producer will emcee the 52nd edition of the awards show, taking place 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 awards show in 1995 and has performed on the show multiple times, said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”
After launching her career in hip-hop, landing seven Grammy nominations and winning best rap solo performance in 1994, Latifah has in more recent years focused more on acting and producing, most recently headlining CBS’ The Equalizer and memorably starring in Living Single from 1993-1998. Her other credits include the films Set It Off, Living Out Loud, Bringing Down the House, The Secret Life of Bees, Hairspray, The Last Holiday, Beauty Shop, Girls Trip and Hustle as well as her Oscar-nominated turn in Chicago.
She’s the first hip-hop artist with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2023 and National Medal of the Arts in 2024.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions and chairman/CEO of Penske Media Corporation, added 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.”
Latifah succeeds Jennifer Lopez, who hosted last year’s Memorial Day-set AMAs, which was held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Nominations for the 2026 AMAs, honoring “the most influential artists and songs of today” are based on fan interactions as reflected on the Billboard charts, including streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses. Nominees will be announced on April 14 ahead of winners being determined by fan votes in a total of 50 categories.
The 52nd annual American Music Awards are set to air live coast-to-coast at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The American Music Awards was created by Dick Clark Productions. DCP is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.
