American Music Awards 52nd live tonight

The 52nd American Music Awards are scheduled to air live on Monday, May 25, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with Queen Latifah returning as host, according to the show’s organizers. CBS and Dick Clark Productions said the ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and stream on Paramount+ alongside the network broadcast. The American Music Awards describe themselves as the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, with winners chosen through public voting in multiple categories. ### When and where is the show airing? Monday’s ceremony is set for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a venue the AMAs called the largest in the show’s history. CBS and the AMAs said the special will air live coast-to-coast on Memorial Day, May 25. Tickets were being sold through AXS, according to the official event pages. (theamas.com) MLive and official AMAs announcements both said viewers in the United States can watch on CBS and stream through Paramount+. Parade also listed the same start time and broadcast details in its viewing guide published Monday. ### Why is Queen Latifah hosting this year? Queen Latifah was announced as host in April, with the AMAs saying the 2026 ceremony marks 30 years since her hosting debut. (theamas.com) Deadline and the AMAs said she would return for the 52nd show after previously emceeing the program in the 1990s. Penske Media’s corporate release described the event as a cross-generational music special and said Queen Latifah would welcome audiences to the live broadcast from Las Vegas. (mlive.com) The official AMAs site did not indicate any late change to the hosting plan as of Monday. ### What is Karol G being honored for? Karol G was announced on May 13 as the recipient of the International Artist Award of Excellence, a special honor she is also expected to receive during Monday’s telecast. (theamas.com) CBS and Dick Clark Productions said the Colombian singer would also perform live during the ceremony. (pmc.com) People, Billboard and Rolling Stone all reported that the award had last been presented to Whitney Houston. Those reports cited the AMAs announcement about Karol G’s recognition. ### Which performers are confirmed for the telecast? Billy Idol and New Kids on the Block were among the performers highlighted in Monday viewing guides from Parade and Yahoo. (paramountpressexpress.com) The official AMAs lineup page also listed a broader slate of performers and presenters tied to the 2026 show. BroadwayWorld, citing the show’s announcements, said Billy Idol is also set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the telecast. (people.com) Other trade and entertainment reports ahead of the show said the lineup includes Karol G and additional pop, rock and K-pop acts. (parade.com) ### What should viewers watch for once the broadcast begins? The AMAs said the show will combine awards presentations with live performances and special honors across multiple genres, including pop, rock, country, rap, R&B, Latin and dance categories. MLive said the ceremony recognizes influential and breakout artists selected by the public. (broadwayworld.com) At 8 p.m. ET on May 25, CBS and Paramount+ are scheduled to carry the live broadcast from Las Vegas, with Queen Latifah hosting and Karol G, Billy Idol and New Kids on the Block among the named participants. (theamas.com) (grandgardenarena.com)