“Humbled” Paula Abdul Reacts to Meghan Markle’s Song Shoutout
Abracadabra, the 2026 American Music Awards have arrived.
The 52nd annual celebration invited music’s top artists to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25.
In addition to the biggest celebs in music, a few reality stars started the red carpet off right, including Love Island USA‘s Chelley Bissainthe who stunned while wearing a strapless black dress with cutout details. Not long after, Amaya Espinal also brought the heat to the stylish scene in a gold halter strapless dress.
And those weren’t the only picture-perfect moments on the carpet. Gymnast Jordan Chiles made a major statement wearing a navy blue embroidered blazer paired with dark-colored trousers, while singer Russell Dickerson and Kailey Dickerson were total couple goals in complementary outfits, which included him sporting an olive-colored suit while she wore a gold strapless dress.
Never one to miss out on the fashion fun, Love Island USA‘s JaNa Craig started hot girl summer early by posing in a sleeveless mutli-colored striped dress for the cameras.
As for inside the venue, the ceremony will honor many musicians, including nominees Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.
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.
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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.
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Teyana Taylor, Iman “Junie” Tayla Shumpert Jr. & Rue Rose Shumpert
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Chrissy Teigen & John Legend
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Queen Latifah
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Tinashe
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Megan Stalter & Paul W. Downs
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Hilary Duff
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Karol G
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Bebe Rexha
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EJAE
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Paula Abdul
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Nikki Glaser
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Ludacris
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Alysa Liu
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Josh Dun & Tyler Joseph
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Hannah Berner
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JaNa Craig
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sombr
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Matt Rife
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Amaya Espinal
John Barlow & Lisa Barlow
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Jordan Chiles
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Mia Calabrese
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Mr. Fantasy
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XG
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Jake Pates
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Jessi Draper
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Ashley Mehta
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Ezra Sosa
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Lindsay Price
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Baron Davis
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