2026 AMAs Nominations: Hip-Hop Leads a Diverse and Competitive Year
The nominations for the 2026 American Music Awards are officially here, and this year’s lineup reflects just how wide-ranging and competitive the current music landscape has become. From hip-hop heavyweights to global pop superstars, the AMAs are shaping up to be one of the most exciting award shows in recent memory.
The 52nd American Music Awards will take place on May 25 in Las Vegas, and it will be hosted by legendary Queen Latifah. The event will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the largest venue in the show’s history and will air on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.
Hip-Hop Takes Center Stage
Hip-hop continues to dominate, with the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category featuring a strong mix of artistry and commercial success. Kendrick Lamar again stands out as a consistent force, while Playboi Carti and Tyler, The Creator represent two very different but equally influential sounds shaping today’s culture. Don Toliver and YoungBoy Never Broke Again are also among the nominees
On the women’s side, the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist category highlights just how diverse the genre has become. Cardi B remains a major presence, while rising and evolving voices like GloRilla, Doechii, Sexyy Red, and YKNIECE are among the nominees
The Best Hip-Hop Song category further proves hip-hop’s global reach. It includes Drake, Gunna, alongside Burna Boy, and collaborations involving Playboi Carti and The Weeknd, the category blends mainstream appeal with cross-genre influence.
#AMAs Best Hip-Hop Album Nominees:
🎵 Cardi B – “AM I THE DRAMA?”
🎵 Don Toliver – “OCTANE”
🎵 Gunna – “The Last Wun”
🎵 Playboi Carti – “MUSIC”
🎵 YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “MASA” pic.twitter.com/dLcsbFRg7E— American Music Awards (@AMAs) April 14, 2026
A Star-Studded Artist of the Year Race
Outside of hip-hop, the Artist of the Year category is packed with some of the biggest names in music worldwide. Taylor Swift, who’s always ahead in the race, leads the nominations with eight nods, continuing her historic dominance at the AMAs. Close behind are artists like Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, and Sabrina Carpenter. The category also includes global icons such as Bad Bunny, BTS, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles.
Swift’s continued success is especially notable. Already the most awarded artist in AMA history with 40 wins, she now has the opportunity to extend her lead even further.
Album of the Year: A Blend of Genres
The Album of the Year category reflects the AMAs’ broad musical scope. Projects from Cardi B and Playboi Carti represent hip-hop’s presence, while Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift bring major pop influence.
At the same time, albums from artists like Fuerza Regida and Morgan Wallen highlight how regional Mexican music and country continue to grow in mainstream recognition. It’s a category that showcases how genre lines are becoming increasingly blurred.
What to Expect from the 2026 Ceremony
With such a wide range of artists, styles, and fanbases represented, this year’s AMAs are expected to deliver major performances, surprising wins, and plenty of viral moments.
As fans begin to debate winners and predict outcomes, one thing is certain…. this year’s show will be one to watch.
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
Playboi Carti — Music
Sabrina Carpenter — Man’s Best Friend
Tate McRae — So Close to What
Taylor Swift — The Life of a Showgirl
#AMAs Album of the Year Nominees:
🎵 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 –… pic.twitter.com/76l8SyX4i2— American Music Awards (@AMAs) April 14, 2026
Song of the Year
Alex Warren — “Ordinary”
Ella Langley — “Choosin’ Texas”
EJAE, Audrey Nuna & Rei Ami — “Golden”
Kehlani — “Folded”
#AMAs Best Hip-Hop Song Nominees:
🎵 Cardi B – “ErrTime”
🎵 Drake – “NOKIA”
🎵 Gunna, Burna Boy – “wgft”
🎵 Playboi Carti, The Weeknd – “Rather Lie”
🎵 YKNIECE, Quavo, Metro Boomin, Breskii – “Take Me Thru Dere” pic.twitter.com/dKSPy7VFrl— American Music Awards (@AMAs) April 14, 2026
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
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”
