The American Music Awards are set to air live this Sunday, Nov. 21 where they’ll feature a variety of musical performances that are sure to get people talking — especially with Cardi B hosting.
Jesse Collins serves as showrunner and executive producer of the AMAs. Collins, who frequently produces the BET Awards, most recently executive produced the 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show and produced the 93rd Oscars. He also serves as co-executive producer for the Grammy Awards. The 2021 American Music Awards will be produced by Dick Clark Productions and Jesse Collins Entertainment. Jesse Collins, Barry Adelman and Larry Klein are executive producers.
If you’re wondering how to watch the AMAs, including where it’s streaming, we’ve got the answers below.
Will the American Music Awards Be Streaming?
The American Music Awards will air live on ABC from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on Sunday Nov. 21. The awards will stream on Hulu the next day.
Who Is Cardi B?
Cardi B is a rapper and music artist who has won five AMAs herself. In 2018, she hit the AMAs stage, performing “I Like It” with J Balvin and Bad Bunny. Taraji P Henson hosted the AMAs most recently. Other past hosts include Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Kimmel, Britney Spears, LL Cool J, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross and Lionel Richie.
Who Will Perform at the 2021 AMAs?
On Nov. 8, the AMAs announced BTS would take the stage. Olivia Rodrigo — who is nominated in seven categories — will make her debut performance. Bad Bunny — nominated for five awards — will return to the AMAs stage to perform “Lo Ciento BB:/.”
On Nov. 11, the AMAs added Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean to the performance lineup with their duet “If I Didn’t Love You” as part of the “My Hometown” segments. Kane Brown will perform from Tennessee State University, singing his song “One Mississippi.” Boston boy bands New Edition and New Kids on the Block will also make returns after several years since attending the awards shows.
On Nov. 16, Diplo, Italian rock band Måneskin and country singer Mickey Guyton joined the lineup. Guyton will sing “All American,” and Måneskin will perform their global #1 hit “Beggin’,” with a shot at winning the award for Favorite Trending Song. Rapper Tyler the Creator will also perform. Country star Walker Hayes is set to sing “Fancy Like” which is nominated for Favorite Country Song. Zoe Wees, a 19 year-old German singer and songwriter will perform “Girls Like Us,” and Wees will also be honored in the “AMA Song of the Soul Moment” for incorporating mental health topics into her music. Tainy and Julieta Venegas top off the set list.
Who Are the AMA Nominees?
Olivia Rodrigo leads with seven nominations. Rodrigo, who is a first-time nominee, will also perform at the AMAs. The Weeknd follows Rodrigo closely with six nominations. Bad Bunny, Doja Cat and Givēon are tied with five nods each. Bad Bunny will compete in many Latin categories with a double nomination for Favorite Latin Album. Doja Cat, who was 2020’s New Artist of the Year holds spots in the Favorite Lead Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Album categories. Givēon, who is a first time nominee, will compete in categories like New Artist of the Year, Favorite Male R&B Artist and Collaboration of the Year for his hit song “Peaches” with Justin Bieber. In the fierce fight for Artist of the Year, those in the running include Ariana Grande, BTS, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd and Taylor Swift.
What’s New About the 2021 American Music Awards?
Favorite Trending Song builds out a new category this year to find the best viral song of the year, many nominees for which are found on TikTok. Along with Favorite Gospel Artist, Favorite Latin Duo or Group also makes a new niche for awards, and the latter award bumps the number of Latin categories up to five.