Queen Latifah made a grand entrance at the 52nd annual American Music Awards on Monday night, accompanied by her family. The 56-year-old music icon walked the red carpet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside her longtime partner Eboni Nichols, 48, and their six-year-old son Rebel. The trio was also joined by Kaavia James, the seven-year-old daughter of Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade.
Queen Latifah's Red Carpet Look
The actress, known for her role in Beauty Shop, arrived in full glamour. She wore a long fur coat paired with a white leather belt, styled her hair in a high ponytail, and sported a magenta pink lip. The family posed for a group photo, holding hands, making it a rare family date night for the couple.
Eboni Nichols and the Kids
Nichols, a choreographer, wore a forest green corset dress with a thigh-revealing cutout and a cropped blazer. The children were dressed in black and white, school uniform-inspired preppy outfits for the event.
Queen Latifah's Hosting Return
This year marks Queen Latifah's return to hosting duties at the AMAs after over three decades. It is her first time as a solo host, having previously co-hosted in 1995 with Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan. In 2008, she performed Superwoman with Alicia Keys and Kathleen Battle at the ceremony. Before the show, she told People magazine she was 'nervous' but 'excited' to return, saying, 'I know it's going to be great just because of the people that are performing and that this is a fan-favorite show.'
Taylor Swift Leads Nominations
Pop icon Taylor Swift leads the 2026 AMA nominations with eight nods, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia, and Album of the Year for The Life of a Showgirl. Swift holds the record for most AMA wins with 40 trophies and could tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most wins in one night if she wins all eight categories.
Swift's protégée Sabrina Carpenter has seven nominations, including for her hit Manchild and album Man's Best Friend. Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, and Sombr also have seven nominations each, while Alex Warren and Lady Gaga have six nods. First-time nominees include Sombr, Dean, Warren, Katseye, BigXthaPlug, Leon Thomas, PinkPantheress, Raye, Role Model, Sienna Spiro, and Tate McRae.
Performers and Honorees
Performers include Katseye, The Pussycat Dolls, Busta Rhymes, Billy Idol, and New Kids on the Block. Presenters include Alysa Liu, Hilary Duff, John Legend, Jason Derulo, Lisa Rinna, Ludacris, Mariah the Scientist, Matt Rife, Megan Stalter, Paul W. Downs, Melanie Martinez, Nikki Glaser, and Paula Abdul.
Billy Idol will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to rock music, joining Diana Ross and Rod Stewart as recipients. Karol G will receive the International Artist Award of Excellence, and Darius Rucker will be honored with the Veterans Voice Award for supporting military organizations.
About the AMAs
The American Music Awards is the world's largest fan-voted award show, created by Dick Clark and first awarded in 1974. The event airs live on CBS and streams on Paramount+ on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, starting at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
2026 American Music Awards Nominations (Selected)
- Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, BTS, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift
- Album of the Year: Cardi B – AM I THE DRAMA?, Fuerza Regida – 111xpantia, Justin Bieber – SWAG, Lady Gaga – Mayhem, Morgan Wallen – I'm The Problem, Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving, Playboi Carti – MUSIC, Sabrina Carpenter – Man's Best Friend, Tate McRae – So Close To What, Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl
- Song of the Year: Alex Warren – Ordinary, Ella Langley – Choosin' Texas, The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – Golden (winner), Kehlani – Folded, Leon Thomas – MUTT, Morgan Wallen – I'm The Problem, Olivia Dean – Man I Need, Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild, sombr – back to friends, Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
- Favorite Female Pop Artist: Lady Gaga, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift
- Best Pop Album: Lady Gaga – Mayhem, Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving, Sabrina Carpenter – Man's Best Friend, Tate McRae – So Close To What, Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Billy Idol
- International Artist of Excellence: Karol G
