The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) are set to light up Las Vegas this Memorial Day, and fans everywhere can tune in without a traditional cable subscription. With a lineup of high‑profile presenters, record‑breaking nominations, and brand‑new categories, the ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting music events of the year.
When and Where the 2026 American Music Awards Take Place
The show will kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on May 25, 2026. The venue is the iconic Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Nevada, a location that has hosted the AMAs for several consecutive years. The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS, the network that has carried the awards since their inception.
How to Catch the Show Without Cable
For those who want to watch the AMAs live but don’t have a cable subscription, there are several free‑trial streaming services that include CBS in their lineup. The most popular option is DIRECTV Stream, which offers a five‑day free trial that gives you access to over 90 live channels, including CBS. Once the trial ends, the service costs just $59.99 per month for one of its premium packages.
Another viable choice is Paramount+, which provides a seven‑day free trial for its Premium Plan. This plan includes CBS and other live channels, but the trial is only available when you subscribe through Prime Video. After the trial, the Premium Plan costs $13.99 per month.
Both services stream the ceremony in high definition and allow you to watch on multiple devices, from smart TVs to smartphones. If you’re looking for a no‑commitment way to catch the show, start your free trial before the event and cancel afterward if you wish.
Highlights and Notable Moments
Queen Latifah will return as the host for the 52nd AMAs, bringing her signature charisma to the stage after first co‑hosting the awards in 1995. The ceremony will also feature several special honors:
- Veterans Voice Award – This year’s recipient is Darius Rucker, who will be recognized for his contributions to supporting veterans nationwide.
- International Artist Award of Excellence – Karol G will receive this prestigious accolade for her global impact on music.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Billy Idol will be honored for his enduring influence in the music industry.
In addition to the classic categories, the 2026 AMAs introduce 12 new awards, including Best Breakout Tour and Song of the Summer. These additions reflect the evolving landscape of music consumption and live performance.
Key Nominees and Award Winners
Taylor Swift tops the list of nominees with an impressive eight nods, making her the most recognized artist of the night. Other notable nominees include:
- Artist of the Year – Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, and BTS are among the contenders.
- Favorite Country Song
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