Wallen, Dean, Carpenter and Somber Lead With Seven Nods Each

Taylor Swift leads the nominations for the 52nd American Music Awards with eight nods, according to reporting from Rolling Stone. The pop star is followed by Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, and Sombr, who each earned seven nominations for the upcoming ceremony.

The 2026 American Music Awards are scheduled to take place on May 25, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Area in Las Vegas. The event, which coincides with Memorial Day, will be hosted by Queen Latifah, marking her return to the role after 30 years.

Taylor Swift’s Record-Breaking Potential

Swift’s eight nominations include the major categories of Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. Her nominations follow the release of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.

The album’s lead single, The Fate of Ophelia, has secured nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best Music Video. The track Elizabeth Taylor is nominated for Song of the Summer.

If Swift wins in all eight categories in which she is nominated, she will tie the record for the most wins in a single night, previously set by Michael Jackson in 1984 and Whitney Houston in 1994.

New Categories and First-Time Nominees

The 52nd iteration of the American Music Awards has introduced 11 new categories, including the Song of the Summer category for which Swift is nominated.

The nominations also highlight several breakout artists. Olivia Dean and Sombr are first-time nominees who are competing against one another in three specific categories: New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Breakthrough Album of the Year.

A significant number of other artists have also received their first AMA nominations this year, including:

• Alex Warren
• Teyana Taylor
• BigXthaPlug
• Katseye
• Leon Thomas
• PinkPantheress
• Raye
• Role Model
• Sienna Spiro
• Tate McRae

Film and Collaborative Contributions

The nominations also recognize contributions from the film industry. Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who provide the musical voices for Huntr/x in the film KPop Demon Hunters, have earned three nominations for their song Golden.

The track Golden is nominated in the categories of Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Song.

The ceremony will bring together a mix of established industry leaders and new talent in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026, to honor the musical achievements of the past year.