By Kisha Forde, Marissa Dow May 25, 2026 10:16 PM

| Updated 2 hours ago

The Life Of A Show Girl artist—who has won a record 40 AMA awards over the years—led the chart-topping group of potential winners with eight total nominations, including for Artist of the Year. And thanks to the 2025 release of her globally sensational album MAYHEM, Gaga was also up for the top prize alongside Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, BTS, Morgan Wallen and Kendrick Lamar.

But the veteran favorites also made room for first-time nominees at the fan-voted honors. Among the fresh faces invited to grace the AMA stage were Sombr, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, PinkPantheress, RAYE and Alex Warren—who recently made waves during his debut Grammys performance by overcoming technical issues.

More than just music, the AMAs have been known for making fashion history. Who could forget Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wearing their iconic denim-on-denim outfits to the show? As such, notably stylish performers like Teyana Taylor—who was invited to perform songs from her latest album, Escape Room, coinciding with her nomination for Best Female R&B Artist—will be following in their fashionable footsteps tonight.

Sure to dazzle as the evening's host, Queen Latifah agreed to repeat her role as emcee after first co-hosting in 1995. “I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage,” Latifah expressed in a press release. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” said Jay Penske—the CEO of Dick Clark Productions, which produces the show each year. “A true powerhouse and trailblazer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists.”

Keep reading for a look at more musical guests hitting all the right notes at the 2026 American Music Awards.