Las Vegas is set to host one of the year's biggest music celebrations as the 2026 American Music Awards return on May 25. The ceremony, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, promises a lineup that reflects the diverse sounds shaping today's charts—from reggaetón to alternative rock and country. For Latino audiences, the night carries special weight with Colombian superstar Maluma taking the stage, alongside the television debut of multinational girl group KATSEYE.
Maluma Leads the Latin Charge
Maluma, the Medellín-born artist who has become a global ambassador for reggaetón and Latin pop, will perform his recent project "Loco x Volver". His presence at the AMAs underscores how Latin music continues to cross over into mainstream American award shows, a trend that has only accelerated in recent years. Fans can expect the kind of high-energy, choreographed performance that has made him a staple at events from Bogotá to Buenos Aires.
Alongside Maluma, the night will feature a mix of established acts and rising stars. Twenty One Pilots will bring their alternative rock sound with "Drag Path," while Teddy Swims is set to perform his hit "Mr. Know It All." Country icon Keith Urban will debut "Flow State" from his album Yacht Rock, and Riley Green makes his first AMAs appearance, proving his breakout status.
Historic Returns and New Faces
One of the most anticipated moments is the return of Hootie & the Blowfish, who will grace the AMAs stage 30 years after their first appearance. For younger viewers, the spotlight will be on KATSEYE, the girl group formed through a global audition process, making their U.S. television debut with "Pinky Up." Their performance signals a new generation of pop acts entering the mainstream.
Queen Latifah, a veteran host with charisma to spare, will guide the evening. Her return to the AMAs stage adds a layer of warmth and experience, especially after her previous hosting stints earned praise for balancing humor and respect for the artists.
How to Watch and What to Expect
The AMAs are known as a fan-voted awards show, making them a genuine barometer of what people are actually listening to—not just what critics pick. This year's nominations reflect the cultural impact of artists across digital platforms and radio, with Latin acts well-represented in multiple categories.
In the United States, the ceremony will air live on CBS at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. For those who prefer streaming, Paramount+ will carry the broadcast for the second consecutive year, allowing subscribers to watch from any device. Tickets for the live event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena are available through AXS.
For Latino viewers, the AMAs offer a rare moment where the diversity of the Americas is celebrated on a single stage. From Maluma's reggaetón to KATSEYE's global pop, the show reflects a music industry that no longer treats Latin sounds as a niche but as a driving force. As the FIFA World Cup opening ceremonies also prepare to spotlight Latin talent later this year, the AMAs feel like a preview of a broader cultural shift.
Whether you're tuning in from México City, San Juan, or Los Ángeles, the 2026 American Music Awards promise a night where the rhythms of the hemisphere take center stage. Don't miss the red carpet coverage and live performances starting at 8 PM ET on CBS and Paramount+.
