The 2026 American Music Awards are continuing to build momentum ahead of Monday night’s ceremony. On May 21, the AMAs officially unveiled the first slate of presenters set to appear during this year’s broadcast, adding another wave of star power to one of the biggest live music events of the spring.
Among the newly announced names are Hilary Duff, John Legend, Paula Abdul, Ludacris, Jason Derulo, Melanie Martinez, Nikki Glaser, Matt Rife, and Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu. Rising music names including EJAE, REI AMI, Mariah the Scientist, and Russell Dickerson will also take the stage throughout the night, alongside actors and comedians such as Anthony Ramos, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Hannah Berner, Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, and Lisa Rinna.
The announcement arrived through the AMAs’ official social media accounts alongside confirmation that additional presenters will still be revealed in the coming days. This year’s ceremony takes place May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will air live on CBS while streaming simultaneously on Paramount+.
Queen Latifah is set to host the show, marking her return to the AMAs stage 31 years after first co-hosting the ceremony in 1995. The rapper, actress, and television icon will oversee a night already packed with major performances and milestone moments across pop, hip-hop, Latin, rock, and country music.
Taylor Swift enters the ceremony as the most-nominated artist of the year with eight nods. Organizers also expanded the show significantly for 2026 by introducing 12 new categories, including Breakout Tour, Song of the Summer, Best Vocal Performance, and several genre-specific breakthrough artist awards.
Performance announcements have steadily rolled out throughout May. KATSEYE became one of the earliest acts confirmed after their April 21 reveal, while Twenty One Pilots and Teddy Swims were added shortly afterward. Karol G, Billy Idol, New Kids on the Block, Pussycat Dolls, Busta Rhymes, and Teyana Taylor are also scheduled to perform during the broadcast.
Several honorary awards are expected to become centerpiece moments of the evening. Karol G will receive the International Artist Award of Excellence, Billy Idol is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Darius Rucker will accept the Veterans Voice Award.
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