Queen Latifah is coming back to music’s biggest fan-voted stage. The Grammy- and Emmy-winning musician, actress and producer will host the 52nd American Music Awards. The announcement was made Monday by CBS and Dick Clark Productions.
The ceremony will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. It marks the show’s first time at that particular venue. The broadcast will air live coast-to-coast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
The hip-hop icon wasted no time expressing her enthusiasm for the gig.
“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,” Latifah said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”
A Full-Circle Moment, 30 Years in the Making
Thirty years since her American Music Awards hosting debut, Queen Latifah returns to lead the annual ceremony. She co-hosted the 1995 show alongside Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan. Since then, she has returned to the AMA stage multiple times as a performer. But this year, she takes the lead alone.
Latifah succeeds Jennifer Lopez, who hosted last year’s Memorial Day-set AMAs at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The 2025 American Music Awards averaged 5.2 million viewers — its largest audience since 2019. Producers are hoping to build on that momentum this May.
Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, made clear why Latifah was the right choice.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” Penske said. “A true powerhouse and trailblazer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists, making her the perfect choice to lead a night celebrating the biggest names and most defining moments in music.”
A Career That Speaks for Itself
Queen Latifah, 56, has built one of the most decorated careers in entertainment. She is a Grammy-winning artist and Oscar-nominated actress whose work spans music, film, television and production. She hosted the Grammy telecast in 2005 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2024.
In 2006, she became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her cultural contributions were further honored with the National Medal of the Arts in 2024.
Most recently, she headlined and executive produced CBS’ The Equalizer. She is also currently working on her own biopic, being produced by her company Flavor Unit Entertainment, Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment.
What to Expect on Show Night
This year’s AMAs will feature 50 categories, up from last year’s 37. The expanded lineup places a heavy emphasis on emerging talent. New “breakthrough” categories include Breakthrough Touring Artist, Breakthrough Album of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, Breakthrough Country Artist and Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist, among others.
Nominations are based on fan interactions reflected on the Billboard charts, including streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses. Nominees will be announced April 14, when fan voting opens. Voting closes May 8.
Additional details, including performers, presenters and special honorees, will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are currently available through AXS.
The 52nd American Music Awards air live May 25 on CBS and Paramount+.