The American Music Awards 2026 airs Monday, May 26, marking the 51st edition of the awards ceremony. Taylor Swift leads the nominations with six awards, including Favorite Touring Artist for the Eras Tour. If you’re in the U.S. or traveling abroad, here’s exactly how to watch the American Music Awards 2026 live online.
Key Takeaways
- American Music Awards 2026 airs Monday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS.
- Stream live on Paramount Plus with Showtime ($12.99/month) or watch replays on Essential tier ($7.99/month).
- Fubo offers CBS access with plans starting at $84.99/month after a free trial, with $20 off the first month.
- Taylor Swift leads with six nominations, competing against Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and Bruno Mars.
- Use a VPN to access U.S. streams from outside the country.
How to Watch American Music Awards 2026 on CBS and Paramount Plus
The American Music Awards 2026 broadcasts live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, May 26. For viewers without cable, Paramount Plus offers two tiers of access. The Essential plan at $7.99 per month provides on-demand replays the day after the ceremony, while Paramount Plus with Showtime at $12.99 per month includes live streaming and on-demand viewing.
CBS can also be accessed through cable replacement services. Fubo offers CBS as part of its streaming package, with plans beginning at $84.99 per month following a free trial period. New subscribers receive $20 off the first month, making it an affordable option for one-time viewing.
If you already subscribe to Paramount Plus or Fubo, check your account settings to confirm your tier supports live streaming. The Essential tier on Paramount Plus does not include live access but provides next-day replays, so upgrading to the Showtime bundle is necessary for live viewing.
Streaming the American Music Awards 2026 From Outside the U.S.
Viewers traveling abroad or living outside the United States can use a VPN to access their usual streaming services. The process is straightforward: install a VPN application, select the United States from the location list, and then access CBS or Paramount Plus as normal. For example, if you’re in the United Kingdom and want to watch on a U.S. service, simply connect to a U.S. VPN server before opening your streaming app.
NordVPN is recommended as a reliable option for this purpose, though any reputable VPN service should work. Once connected, you can stream the American Music Awards 2026 live or on-demand through your chosen platform without geographic restrictions.
Who’s Nominated and Why It Matters
Taylor Swift’s six nominations dominate the 2026 American Music Awards, with competitors including Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and Bruno Mars. Swift’s Favorite Touring Artist nomination for the Eras Tour reflects the record-breaking success of that tour, making this year’s ceremony particularly relevant for pop music fans.
The diversity of nominees across multiple genres means the ceremony appeals to a broad audience. Whether you’re following Swift’s performance, checking out competing artists, or simply enjoying the live entertainment, having reliable streaming access ensures you won’t miss the event.
Best Streaming Option for Your Needs
Choose your viewing method based on your existing subscriptions and budget. If you already have Paramount Plus with Showtime, you’re set for live viewing at no additional cost. For cable-free households, Paramount Plus with Showtime ($12.99/month) is the most economical choice for live access, while Fubo ($84.99/month after discount) works if you want broader cable replacement features beyond just this event.
Those who don’t mind watching the next day can save money with Paramount Plus Essential ($7.99/month), which includes on-demand replays. For international viewers, a VPN combined with any of these services removes geographic barriers entirely.
Can I watch the American Music Awards 2026 for free?
CBS broadcasts the American Music Awards 2026 live, and CBS.com may offer free streaming with a cable login. However, cable-free viewers will need a paid subscription to Paramount Plus or Fubo. The Paramount Plus free trial period, if available in your region, could provide free access to the live ceremony, but this varies by location and account status.
What time does the American Music Awards 2026 start?
The 51st American Music Awards airs Monday, May 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and 5 p.m. Pacific Time. International viewers should convert to their local time zone accordingly. The ceremony will be available for live streaming on Paramount Plus with Showtime and through Fubo starting at these times.
Is the American Music Awards 2026 available outside the U.S.?
Direct broadcast availability outside the United States is not confirmed in the source material. However, viewers abroad can use a VPN to access U.S. streaming services like Paramount Plus or CBS, making the ceremony accessible regardless of location. This method works reliably for anyone with a valid subscription to a U.S.-based streaming service.
The American Music Awards 2026 offers multiple ways to tune in, whether you’re at home, traveling, or abroad. With Paramount Plus, Fubo, and VPN options all available, missing Taylor Swift’s moment and the rest of the ceremony requires genuine effort to avoid. Plan your viewing ahead, confirm your subscription tier, and mark May 26 on your calendar.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
