Everything You Need to Know About the 2017 American Music Awards
Anything can happen at the American Music Awards — from the star-studded collaboration of “We Are The World” in 1986 to Garth Brooks literally rejecting the award for artist of the year in 1996 — and this year is no exception.
The 45th edition of the AMAs will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. But before the show starts, you need a run-down of what to expect on the big night.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Who’s Hosting?
The awards show will be a family affair, with Tracee Ellis Ross hosting and mom Diana Ross doing double duty as a performer and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“She’s a bit of an international treasure in my opinion,” the black-ish star, 45, tells PEOPLE. “I’m excited that a younger generation gets to witness that, even just through the television screen. Also I think it’s a really extraordinary thing to honor somebody who’s had such an everlasting career, whose music has touched lives in such a poignant and special way. Music reaches into your heart, and my mom’s voice has been a part of people’s lives for a long time.”
Ross also plans to honor her mother, a 12-time Grammy nominee, in a personal way.
“I love clothes,” says the actress. “I’m a style girl, so there will be a couple nods to my mother and her extraordinary fashion.”
Who’s Performing?
The short answer: anyone who is anyone in music right now.
Selena Gomez is set to return to the stage — marking her first performance since undergoing surgery for a kidney transplant. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter will sing her brand new single “Wolves” at the awards show, where she took home the prize for favorite female artist, pop/rock in 2016. Might she bring along Justin Bieber, a constant fixture by her side as of late?
Pink and Kelly Clarkson are set to open the show together in a performance fans have been clamoring for for years.
Christina Aguilera, too, will perform at the upcoming ceremony to honor Whitney Houston with a commemorative tribute timed to the 25th anniversary of The Bodyguard‘s release on Nov. 25, 1992.
Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas were all recently added to the lineup. But aside from the stellar solo acts, superstar collaborations for the night include Alessia Cara and Zedd, who will perform their Billboard Hot 100 smash single “Stay,” marking their first performance ever at the AMAs, as well as Hailee Steinfeld and Alesso featuring Florida Georgia Line and watt, who will team up to perform their hit, “Let Me Go.”
Previously announced performers include BTS, Niall Horan, Imagine Dragons & Khalid and Demi Lovato.
What About the Nominees?
Bruno Mars leads the pack this year with eight total nominations. Sharing second place, Drake and Ed Sheeran both scored five nods. Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and The Chainsmokers are also among this year’s nominees.
Is There a Pre-Show?
You bet.
AJ Gibson, Marc Malkin, Laura Marano and Oliver Trevena will host the official pre-show, “AMAs Red Carpet Live presented by Security Benefit.”
The two-hour pre-show will stream LIVE from Microsoft Theater on Sunday, starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. The pre-show will be available to logged-in and logged-out audiences globally on Twitter and connected devices, and can be found at live.twitter.com/amas or via @AMAs.
E! will also air their traditional E! Live from the Red Carpet show from 6-8 p.m. ET.
