AceShowbiz - When Queen Latifah steps onto the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, 2026, she will make history as the first person to solo-host both the Grammys and the American Music Awards (AMAs). Queen Latifah previously hosted the Grammys in 2005, and now she adds the 52nd AMAs to her impressive resume.

Only two other artists have solo-hosted the Grammys and co-hosted the AMAs — Kenny Rogers and LL Cool J — making Queen Latifah's solo hosting of both awards shows a unique accomplishment in entertainment history.

Aside from these major hosting gigs, Queen Latifah has also led several other prestigious events. She solo-hosted the BET Awards in 2010, the NAACP Image Awards in 2023 and 2024, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2024, showcasing her versatility and charisma as a presenter.

Looking ahead, Queen Latifah is also set to join the upcoming season of The Voice as a coach, alongside fellow music stars Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and Riley Green. Speaking to Billboard on May 19, she emphasized, "All roads lead back to music for me. Everything I've done in my career, it all started with music."

The 2026 American Music Awards will broadcast live coast-to-coast on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+. This year’s nominations showcase a competitive lineup, with Taylor Swift leading with eight nods. Hot on her heels are Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and sombr, each with seven nominations.

A highlight of the evening will be Billy Idol receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and performing at the AMAs for the first time. Karol G will also perform and be honored with the International Artist Award of Excellence. Other performers include an eclectic mix: Hootie & the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, New Kids on the Block, Riley Green, sombr, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, The Pussycat Dolls with Busta Rhymes, and Twenty One Pilots.

Produced by Dick Clark Productions, a company owned by Penske Media Eldridge, the AMAs continue to be a major platform for celebrating diverse talents in music. Queen Latifah shared insight into what makes an effective host, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience and embracing spontaneity during live events.

Queen Latifah explained, "You have to be able to relate to an audience. Some big stars are camera-shy or find it hard to connect with a large crowd. Hosting requires comfort with spontaneity because it’s live, and you never know what might happen." She added that rehearsing thoroughly and making the script her own helps her feel confident and natural on stage.

When asked about standout hosts across her lifetime, she praised Jamie Foxx for his versatility and charisma, noting his ability to sing, play instruments, and bring humor seamlessly to the stage. She also mentioned legendary hosts of the Oscars such as Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, and Billy Crystal, lauding Billy Crystal particularly for his quick wit and comedic timing. Other notable mentions include Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg, whom she described as an exceptional trio of hosts.

Discussing the performers on this year’s AMAs, Queen Latifah expressed familiarity with many of them. She has met sombr before at the Grammys and praised his music, describing his song "Back to Friends" as reminiscent of her era with familiar harmonies and rhythms. She admired his authentic performance style and enthusiasm.

She also mentioned listening to Leon Thomas frequently and expressed fandom for Karol G and Taylor Swift. The upcoming performance by New Kids on the Block was another highlight for her, along with seeing Billy Idol perform live for the first time at the AMAs. Sabrina Carpenter is another artist she’s enjoyed watching perform on other platforms like SNL.

Queen Latifah also reflected on Teyana Taylor's recent success, noting her impressive run of Oscar and Grammy nominations.

Regarding her role on The Voice, Queen Latifah expressed excitement about returning to a music-centered environment and working with talented peers. "Leave me in music, and all roads lead back to music for me," she said, underscoring her lifelong passion for the art form.

Queen Latifah’s upcoming hosting gig at the AMAs solidifies her place as a trailblazer in music and entertainment.