Everything to Know About the 2022 American Music Awards: Host, Nominees and More

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock; Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock; Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Everything to Know About the 2022 American Music Awards: Host, Nominees and More

Ready to break her own record? The 2022 American Music Awards are fast approaching, and Taylor Swift could win big. The "Anti-Hero" songstress already holds the record for most AMAs wins of all time and most Artist of the Year awards, but the 2022 ceremony could help her add to her ever-growing collection of accolades. The Pennsylvania native is up for six prizes this year including Artist of the Year, Favorite Music Video and Favorite Pop Album. Swift's newest album, however, is not the one under consideration at this year's event. Midnights was released on October 21, but the eligibility period ended on September 22. Instead, voters will be weighing in on Red (Taylor's Version), which dropped in November 2021. In 2019, the prolific musician became the first woman to win the AMAs' Artist of the Decade trophy, which was previously awarded to Garth Brooks in 2000 for his work in the 1990s. [jwplayer rkRP3ISs-zhNYySv2] "The fact that this is an award that celebrates a decade of hard work and of art and of fun and memories, all that matters to me is the memories that I have had with you guys, with you the fans, over the years," Swift said in her acceptance speech. "Guys, we've had fun, incredible, exhilarating, extraordinary times together, and may it continue. Thank you for being the reason why I am on this stage, from the very first day of my career until tonight. I love you with all of my heart." The 2022 ceremony's other nominees include Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Harry Styles and Drake. This year will also see the addition of four brand new categories: Favorite Afrobeats Artist, Favorite K-pop Artist, Favorite Rock Song and Favorite Rock Album. Additionally, the categories Favorite Touring Artist and Favorite Soundtrack were added back to the roster after being removed in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike the Grammys, Oscars and Emmys, the AMAs is a fan-voted awards show, meaning that anyone can log on and vote for their favorite artists. When Olivia Rodrigo won New Artist of the Year at last year's ceremony, she made a point to thank her listeners during her acceptance speech. “Thank you so much to the AMAs and to the fans who voted for this award,” the "Brutal" singer said in November 2021. “It means so much to me. Writing songs is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I am so grateful for everyone who has embraced my music.” Keep scrolling for everything to know about the American Music Awards.

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock; Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock; Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Everything to Know About the 2022 American Music Awards: Host, Nominees and More

Ready to break her own record? The 2022 American Music Awards are fast approaching, and Taylor Swift could win big. The "Anti-Hero" songstress already holds the record for most AMAs wins of all time and most Artist of the Year awards, but the 2022 ceremony could help her add to her ever-growing collection of accolades. The Pennsylvania native is up for six prizes this year including Artist of the Year, Favorite Music Video and Favorite Pop Album. Swift's newest album, however, is not the one under consideration at this year's event. Midnights was released on October 21, but the eligibility period ended on September 22. Instead, voters will be weighing in on Red (Taylor's Version), which dropped in November 2021. In 2019, the prolific musician became the first woman to win the AMAs' Artist of the Decade trophy, which was previously awarded to Garth Brooks in 2000 for his work in the 1990s. [jwplayer rkRP3ISs-zhNYySv2] "The fact that this is an award that celebrates a decade of hard work and of art and of fun and memories, all that matters to me is the memories that I have had with you guys, with you the fans, over the years," Swift said in her acceptance speech. "Guys, we've had fun, incredible, exhilarating, extraordinary times together, and may it continue. Thank you for being the reason why I am on this stage, from the very first day of my career until tonight. I love you with all of my heart." The 2022 ceremony's other nominees include Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Harry Styles and Drake. This year will also see the addition of four brand new categories: Favorite Afrobeats Artist, Favorite K-pop Artist, Favorite Rock Song and Favorite Rock Album. Additionally, the categories Favorite Touring Artist and Favorite Soundtrack were added back to the roster after being removed in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike the Grammys, Oscars and Emmys, the AMAs is a fan-voted awards show, meaning that anyone can log on and vote for their favorite artists. When Olivia Rodrigo won New Artist of the Year at last year's ceremony, she made a point to thank her listeners during her acceptance speech. “Thank you so much to the AMAs and to the fans who voted for this award,” the "Brutal" singer said in November 2021. “It means so much to me. Writing songs is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I am so grateful for everyone who has embraced my music.” Keep scrolling for everything to know about the American Music Awards.

Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

When Are the 2022 American Music Awards?

The American Music Awards will air on ABC Sunday, November 20, at 8 p.m. ET, live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The show will be available to stream via Hulu on Monday, November 21.

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Who Is Hosting?

ABC announced in October 2022 that Wayne Brady will host the ceremony. “I’m ecstatic and honored to host this year’s AMAs," the Masked Singer winner said in a statement at the time. "As a musician and music lover, it’s amazing to be part of a night where music fans make their voices heard! It’s a big show, so I’m bringing it all ... the funny, the music and the moves!”

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Who's Nominated?

Bad Bunny leads the pack with eight total nominations, followed by Swift, Beyoncé and Drake, all of whom have six each. Imagine Dragons and Måneskin are the most nominated bands, with five nods each. First-time nominees include Anitta, Latto, Tems and Jack Harlow. 

Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Angel Marchini/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

Can You Vote for the AMAs?

Fans can cast their votes via Twitter or through the AMAs website until Monday, November 14. 

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Who Is Performing?

Carrie Underwood, Imagine Dragons, J.I.D., P!NK, Tems, Wizkid and Yola were announced in the first round of performers, while Bebe Rexha x David Guetta, Lil Baby, Dove Cameron, Anitta and GloRilla were revealed in the second announcement.

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Who Will Be Honored at the AMAs?

Lionel Richie will receive the prestigious Icon Award, which honors artists whose music has had a global influence over the industry. His acceptance will make the "Hello" singer the only artist ever to be featured on the AMAs stage in every decade since the show debuted.

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Who Is Paying Tribute to Olivia Newton-John?

Dick Clark Productions and ABC announced on November 14 that Pink will be honoring the late Grease star during the awards show. Newton-John died in August after a long battle with breast cancer.