Tonight’s American Music Awards show promises big stars, thrilling live performances, and a few WTF moments.
The AMAs show, live from the Microsoft Theater in L.A., kicks off at 8 pm on CTV.
Will Drake be on hand to accept if he wins any of the eight categories in which he’s nominated? The Canadian rap superstar performed Monday in L.A. and has a few days off before his next scheduled concert in the city on Oct. 12.
We know for sure that Canada will be represented by Shawn Mendes, who is performing “Lost in Japan” with Zedd during the AMAs. The singer has a pair of nominations, including Social Artist (which will be announced during the red carpet show).
Click here for a full list of this year's nominations.
Here are five reasons to tune in to the 46th annual AMAs:
black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross (whose mom is music legend Diana Ross) returns as host after slaying it last year in a parade of outrageous outfits. “I do an opening musical dance number,” Ross told reporters ahead of the show. “Three-and-a-half minutes with 20 other dancers. It’s going to be huge and I’m excited, I’m terrified… and it will be great. I hope.”
Superstar Taylor Swift, who is making headlines this week for her political views, will set the tone for the night with a performance of “I Did Something Bad” from her reputation album. The singer is up for four AMAs and if she wins three of them, she’ll beat the late Whitney Houston’s record for the most career wins by a female artist.
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, will be honoured in a special tribute featuring Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans. And, rock band Queen will be feted with a performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Panic! At The Disco.
Fans will be treated to hits, of course, but there will also be performances of new songs during the AMAs. Mariah Carey will do “With You” from her forthcoming album for the first time on TV, in her first AMAs performance in a decade. Jennifer Lopez will be backed by female dancers for her new anthem “Limitless” from the soundtrack to Second Act. And, Camila Cabello will perform a new version of “Consequences.” Tune in also for Carrie Underwood belting out “Spinning Bottles” and Twenty One Pilots doing “Jumpsuit” as well as performances by Dua Lipa and Ella Mai. Collaborations include Ciara with Missy Elliott; Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign; Benny Blanco with Halsey and Khalid; and Cardi B with Bad Bunny and J Balvin.
Who will be handing out the awards? Presenters at the AMAs this year include supermodels (Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks), music stars (Lenny Kravitz, Bebe Rexha and Thomas Rhett), actors (Constance Wu, John Stamos) and – because why not – a former child star (Macaulay Culkin).