AMAs 2026 live tonight: How to watch, stream without cable, start time, and red carpet

The American Music Awards return tonight with a star-packed ceremony celebrating some of the biggest names in music, and viewers have several ways to watch the event live online and on television.

The 2026 American Music Awards will air live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Fans with cable subscriptions can watch directly through the network, while streaming viewers can access the live broadcast through Paramount+.

Hosted by Queen Latifah, the ceremony will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking the largest venue used in the awards show’s history.

Ahead of the main broadcast, multiple red carpet livestreams will give fans an early look at celebrity arrivals and interviews. CBS will host an official preshow stream from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT, featuring coverage by Kalyna Astrinos and Grae Drake across select digital platforms and Paramount+.

Meanwhile, Billboard will also air a separate red carpet livestream hosted by Tetris Kelly and Chelley Bissainthe. The stream will be available on Billboard’s website, YouTube channel, X account, Billboard TV, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung TV+.

The annual music awards show is expected to feature major live performances, celebrity appearances and tributes honouring some of the year’s biggest artists and songs across multiple genres.

As anticipation builds, fans are also eagerly awaiting surprise moments and viral performances from one of music’s biggest nights of the year.