AceShowbiz - The 52nd annual American Music Awards will see Queen Latifah return as host for the 2026 ceremony, it was announced on Monday. The Grammy- and Emmy-winning artist, actress, and producer will lead the star-studded event held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Queen Latifah has a rich history with the AMAs, having co-hosted the show back in 1995 and performed multiple times over the years. Speaking on her upcoming role, she expressed enthusiasm about returning to the stage, saying, "It's been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas."

Launching her career in hip-hop, Latifah earned seven Grammy nominations and won Best Rap Solo Performance in 1994. In recent years, she has focused more on acting and producing. Her notable roles include starring in CBS' The Equalizer and the classic series Living Single from 1993 to 1998.

Her impressive filmography features titles such as 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. Additionally, she earned an Oscar nomination for her role in Chicago.

Queen Latifah is also celebrated as the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her honors include a Kennedy Center Honor in 2023 and the National Medal of the Arts in 2024.

Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions and chairman/CEO of Penske Media Corporation, shared his excitement about Latifah's return to the American Music Awards stage. He described her as a "true powerhouse and trailblazer" who brings a dynamic presence and strong connection to fans and artists alike, making her an ideal host for the event.

Latifah will succeed Jennifer Lopez, who hosted the 2025 AMAs held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The American Music Awards have traditionally been a Memorial Day weekend highlight, and the 2026 edition will continue this tradition.

The nominations for the 2026 AMAs will honor the most influential artists and songs of today. Nominees are determined based on fan interactions, reflected through Billboard charts that track streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and tour grosses. The nominations will be announced on April 14, with winners decided by fan votes across 50 categories.

The event will be broadcast live coast-to-coast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+ from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The American Music Awards were created by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge. The company also owns The Hollywood Reporter.