American Music Awards 2026: Get Ready With Us

The 2026 American Music Awards are underway, meaning stars are preparing to show off their fabulous style while hitting the red carpet, winning awards and watching performances.

Before the show begins, come backstage with Us to get ready for the Monday, May 26 event, which is held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Us Weekly‘s Amanda Williams started her morning off by prepping her skin for glam with her skincare routine. She applied eye patches before her makeup arrived. Once her makeup was done, she touched up her hair herself to refresh her blowout. She showed off her final look to the camera, featuring bling from Samantha Michael jewelry.

This year, the awards — which are fan-voted — are being hosted by Queen Latifah. Taylor Swift leads the nominations with eight for her album The Life of a Showgirl. She’s up for Artist of the Year, Best Female Pop Artist, Album of the Year and Best Pop Album. Swift, 36, is also nominated for Song of the Year, Best Music Video and Best Pop Song for “The Fate of Ophelia,” as well as Song of the Summer for “Elizabeth Taylor.”

Swift previously attended the awards show in 2022. At the time, she rocked a gold jumpsuit featuring a plunging halter neckline, crystal embellishments and a snatched waist.

SOMBR, who is set to perform, is also going head-to-head with Dean for New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Breakthrough Album of the Year.

More artists who are taking the stage to wow the crowd with some of their biggest hits include Karol G, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Twenty One Pilots and Teyana Taylor.

Unlike other award shows, fans are allowed to attend the event. Tickets are on sale through AXS. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. local time with guests expected to take their seats by 4:45 p.m.