The American Music Awards (AMAs), a perennial celebration of popular music fueled by the voice of the fans, has once again set the stage for a star-studded event, with music icon Taylor Swift leading the charge. Swift, already the undisputed "all-time queen" of the AMAs, solidified her historic dominance by securing an impressive eight nominations for the 2026 ceremony, as revealed on Tuesday morning. Her unparalleled connection with her audience, combined with a relentless output of critically acclaimed and commercially successful work, continues to place her at the forefront of the music industry’s most esteemed accolades. These new nominations offer Swift ample opportunity to further extend her record-breaking 40 career wins, cementing her legacy as an enduring force in contemporary music.
Swift’s formidable presence is felt across multiple marquee categories. She is a leading contender for the coveted Artist of the Year, a testament to her broad appeal and monumental cultural impact over the past year. Her nomination for Best Female Pop Artist acknowledges her continued reign within the genre she has largely redefined. Her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is a strong contender for both Album of the Year and Best Pop Album, reflecting its widespread acclaim and commercial success. Meanwhile, the evocative single "The Fate of Ophelia" has earned nods for Song of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best Music Video, showcasing her prowess in crafting compelling narratives and visuals. Further underscoring her omnipresence, "Elizabeth Taylor," recently promoted as the third single from her forthcoming 2025 album, is nominated for the highly anticipated Song of the Summer award, a category that captures the season’s definitive anthem.
While Swift undeniably commands the spotlight, the 2026 AMAs ballot reveals a vibrant and diverse landscape of talent vying for recognition. A quartet of artists stands tied for second place, each boasting seven nominations: pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, rising R&B/soul artist Olivia Dean, the enigmatic Sombr, and country music titan Morgan Wallen. This impressive showing from Dean and Sombr, notably as first-time nominees, underscores the AMAs’ commitment to highlighting both established powerhouses and groundbreaking new voices shaping the future of music.
Following closely with six nominations each are the avant-garde pop icon Lady Gaga and burgeoning internet sensation Alex Warren, demonstrating their multifaceted impact across different artistic realms. The five-nomination tier features a compelling mix of talent, including current Hot 100 chart-topper Ella Langley, the formidable Latin group Fuerza Regida, the multi-talented Leon Thomas, and Swedish pop powerhouse Zara Larsson. Artists garnering four nominations include hip-hop luminary Cardi B, global pop superstar Justin Bieber, experimental rapper Playboi Carti, multi-platinum R&B artist Bruno Mars, dance-pop phenom Tate McRae, and the critically acclaimed Afrobeats star Tyla, further illustrating the breadth of genres and styles celebrated by the fan-driven awards.
The 52nd annual American Music Awards ceremony is scheduled to light up the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25. For the second consecutive year, the telecast will air on CBS, marking a significant shift after decades as a staple on ABC. The charismatic and celebrated Queen Latifah is set to host the evening, bringing her signature blend of humor, grace, and gravitas to one of music’s biggest nights.
Conceived in the 1970s by the legendary Dick Clark, the American Music Awards were designed as a populist alternative to the more industry-focused Grammy Awards. This foundational ethos remains at the heart of the AMAs today: nominations are primarily based on commercial performance, including sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social media activity, ensuring that the artists and songs that truly resonate with the public are recognized. Crucially, the winners are determined entirely by public vote, cast through a dedicated website and various social media platforms, empowering fans to directly celebrate their favorite artists. This fan-centric approach distinguishes the AMAs, creating a direct reflection of popular taste and engagement within the music landscape.
The ascent of Olivia Dean and Sombr, each securing seven nominations as first-time contenders, is a significant narrative of this year’s awards. Their impressive tally includes nods for New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, categories that underscore their immediate impact and potential for long-term success. This recognition highlights the AMAs’ role in identifying and elevating fresh talent that has captured the public’s imagination.
Beyond Dean and Sombr, a diverse array of artists are celebrating their inaugural AMA nominations. This exciting group includes genre-bending artist Teyana Taylor, soulful vocalist Raye, digital native Alex Warren, the highly anticipated K-Pop girl group Katseye, R&B crooner Leon Thomas, pop-dance sensation Tate McRae, rising vocalist Sienna Spiro, country-rap artist BigXthaPlug, alt-pop darling PinkPantheress, and the unique singing voices of Huntr/X from the animated sensation "KPop Demon Hunters." The inclusion of such a wide spectrum of artists, from established rising stars to those emerging from niche platforms and even animated features, showcases the AMAs’ broad appeal and responsiveness to evolving music consumption patterns.
The competition for the coveted Artist of the Year title promises to be fierce, with ten formidable acts nominated. This premier category pits Taylor Swift against Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, global phenomenon BTS, Latin music powerhouse Bad Bunny, lyrical genius Kendrick Lamar, and the charismatic Harry Styles. This diverse lineup represents the very best of contemporary music across genres, each artist having achieved remarkable success and cultural resonance over the past year.
In a significant move to embrace the dynamic shifts within the music industry and broaden the scope of recognition, the 2026 AMAs have introduced eleven brand-new categories. These additions include Breakout Tour, acknowledging the resurgence and economic importance of live performances; Breakthrough Album, celebrating significant artistic statements from developing artists; Best Throwback Song, recognizing the enduring power of classic tracks and their resurgence through new platforms; Best Vocal Performance, highlighting exceptional vocal artistry; and Song of the Summer, a nod to the seasonal anthems that define collective cultural moments. Genre-specific breakthrough categories have also been added, including Breakthrough Pop Artist, Breakthrough Country Artist, Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist, Breakthrough Latin Artist, and Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist, providing more granular recognition for emerging talents within their respective fields. Finally, the inclusion of Best Americana/Folk Artist reflects the growing mainstream appreciation for these rich, storytelling genres. These new categories demonstrate the AMAs’ adaptability and dedication to remaining relevant and comprehensive in a constantly evolving musical landscape.
Here is the complete list of nominations for the 2026 American Music Awards:
GENERAL CATEGORIES
Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Bruno Mars
BTS
Harry Styles
Justin Bieber
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
Morgan Wallen
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
New Artist of the Year
Alex Warren
Ella Langley
KATSEYE
Leon Thomas
Olivia Dean
sombr
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”
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”
Collaboration of the Year
BigXthaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”
David Guetta, Teddy Swims, Tones And I – “Gone Gone Gone”
Morgan Wallen, Tate McRae – “What I Want”
PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
Shaboozey, Jelly Roll – “Amen”
Social Song of the Year
Disco Lines, Tinashe – “No Broke Boys”
PinkPantheress – “Illegal”
Role Model – “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”
Tyla – “CHANEL”
Zara Larsson – “Lush Life”
Best Music Video
KATSEYE – “Gnarly”
ROSALÍA, Björk, Yves Tumor – “Berghain”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”
Tyla – “CHANEL”
Best Soundtrack
F1 The Album
Hazbin Hotel: Season Two
KPop Demon Hunters
Wicked: For Good
Charli xcx – Wuthering Heights
Tour of the Year
Beyoncé – “Cowboy Carter Tour”
Kendrick Lamar, SZA – “Grand National Tour”
Lady Gaga – “The Mayhem Ball”
Oasis – “Oasis Live ‘25 Tour”
Shakira – “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour”
NEW – Breakout Tour
Benson Boone – “American Heart World Tour”
Kali Uchis – “The Sincerely, Tour”
The Marías – “Submarine Tour”
Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay? Tour”
Sleep Token – “Even in Arcadia Tour”
NEW – Breakthrough Album of the Year
Olivia Dean – “The Art of Loving”
sombr – “I Barely Know Her”
Zara Larsson – “Midnight Sun”
NEW – Best Throwback Song
4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up”
Black Eyed Peas – “Rock That Body”
Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris”
NEW – Best Vocal Performance
Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”
SIENNA SPIRO – “Die on this Hill”
NEW – Song of the Summer
Alex Warren – “FEVER DREAM”
Bella Kay – “iloveitiloveitiloveit”
BTS – “SWIM”
Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
Harry Styles – “American Girls”
Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
sombr – “Homewrecker”
Tame Impala, JENNIE – “Dracula”
Taylor Swift – “Elizabeth Taylor”
POP CATEGORIES
Best Male Pop Artist
Alex Warren
Benson Boone
Ed Sheeran
Harry Styles
Justin Bieber
Best Female Pop Artist
Lady Gaga
Olivia Dean
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
NEW – Breakthrough Pop Artist
KATSEYE
SIENNA SPIRO
Zara Larsson
Best Pop Song
Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”
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”
COUNTRY CATEGORIES
Best Male Country Artist
Jelly Roll
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Riley Green
Shaboozey
Best Female Country Artist
Ella Langley
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson
Megan Moroney
Miranda Lambert
Best Country Duo or Group
Brooks & Dunn
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
Treaty Oak Revival
Zac Brown Band
NEW – Breakthrough Country Artist
Sam Barber
Tucker Wetmore
Zach Top
Best Country Song
BigXthaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”
Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
Morgan Wallen – “Just In Case”
Russell Dickerson – “Happen To Me”
Shaboozey – “Good News”
Best Country Album
BigXthaPlug – “I Hope You’re Happy”
Megan Moroney – “Cloud 9”
Morgan Wallen – “I’m The Problem”
Sam Barber – “Restless Mind”
Tucker Wetmore – “What Not To”
HIP-HOP CATEGORIES
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Don Toliver
Kendrick Lamar
Playboi Carti
Tyler, The Creator
YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
Doechii
GloRilla
Sexyy Red
YKNIECE
NEW – Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist
EsDeeKid
Monaleo
PLUTO
Best Hip-Hop Song
Cardi B – “ErrTime”
Drake – “NOKIA”
Gunna, Burna Boy – “wgft”
Playboi Carti, The Weeknd – “Rather Lie”
YKNIECE, Quavo, Metro Boomin, Breskii – “Take Me Thru Dere”
Best Hip-Hop Album
Cardi B – “AM I THE DRAMA?”
Don Toliver – “OCTANE”
Gunna – “The Last Wun”
Playboi Carti – “MUSIC”
YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “MASA”
R&B CATEGORIES
Best Male R&B Artist
Bruno Mars
Chris Brown
Daniel Caesar
PARTYNEXTDOOR
The Weeknd
Best Female R&B Artist
Kehlani
Summer Walker
SZA
Teyana Taylor
Tyla
Breakthrough R&B Artist
Leon Thomas
Mariah the Scientist
Ravyn Lenae
Best R&B Song
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
Kehlani – “Folded”
Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
Mariah the Scientist – “BURNING BLUE”
Best R&B Album
Bruno Mars – “The Romantic”
Justin Bieber – “SWAG”
Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
Mariah the Scientist – “HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY”
Summer Walker – “Finally Over It”
LATIN CATEGORIES
Best Male Latin Artist
Bad Bunny
Junior H
Peso Pluma
Rauw Alejandro
Tito Double P
Best Female Latin Artist
Gloria Estefan
KAROL G
Natti Natasha
ROSALÍA
Shakira
Best Latin Duo or Group
Clave Especial
Fuerza Regida
Grupo Firme
Grupo Frontera
Julián Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
NEW – Breakthrough Latin Artist
Beéle
Kapo
Netón Vega
Best Latin Song
Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL”
benny blanco, Selena Gomez, The Marías – “Ojos Tristes”
Fuerza Regida – “Marlboro Rojo”
Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera – “ME JALO”
KAROL G – “LATINA FOREVA”
Best Latin Album
Fuerza Regida – “111xpantia”
KAROL G – “Tropicoqueta”
Netón Vega – “Mi Vida Mi Muerte”
Peso Pluma, Tito Double P – “DINASTÍA”
ROSALÍA – “Lux”
ROCK CATEGORIES
Best Rock/Alternative Artist
Deftones
Linkin Park
The Marías
Sleep Token
Twenty One Pilots
NEW – Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist
Geese
Gigi Perez
Sombr
Best Rock/Alternative Song
Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
Linkin Park – “Up From The Bottom”
Sombr – “back to friends”
Sublime – “Ensenada”
Tame Impala – “Dracula”
Best Rock/Alternative Album
Sleep Token – “Even In Arcadia”
Sombr – “I Barely Know Her”
Tame Impala – “Deadbeat”
Twenty One Pilots – “Breach”
Zach Bryan – “With Heaven On Top”
DANCE/ELECTRONIC CATEGORIES
Best Dance/Electronic Artist
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Fred again..
ILLENIUM
John Summit
K-POP CATEGORIES
Best Male K-Pop Artist
ATEEZ
BTS
ENHYPEN
Stray Kids
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Best Female K-Pop Artist
Aespa
BLACKPINK
ILLIT
LE SSERAFIM
TWICE
AFROBEATS CATEGORIES
Best Afrobeats Artist
Burna Boy
MOLIY
Rema
Tyla
Wizkid
AMERICANA/FOLK CATEGORIES
NEW – Best Americana/Folk Artist
Lord Huron
The Lumineers
Mumford & Sons
Noah Kahan
Tyler Childers
