How to Watch 2026 AMAs Live in Canada (Music Awards)

QUICK ANSWER: The 52nd American Music Awards go live on May 25, 2026. If you’re in Canada, Paramount+ USA is the only way to watch the AMAs live online without cable paired with a VPN. It takes less than 10 minutes to set up. Here’s exactly how to do it.

The 2026 American Music Awards are back, and bigger than ever.

Hosted by the legendary Queen Latifah and broadcasting live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, 2026, the 52nd AMAs promise a full night of performances.

Fan-voted trophies and the kind of live-TV moments you do not want to miss on replay.

There’s just one problem if you’re in Canada: the AMAs air on CBS live via Paramount+ in the United States but are not available on Paramount+ in Canada due to content licensing.

The good news? A reliable VPN solves this completely.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to watch American Music Awards 2026 live from Canada without cable TV using Paramount+ USA.

Also what the show costs, which VPNs actually work, how to set them up on every device, and what to do if you’re an American traveler abroad who can’t access their Paramount+ account.

2026 American Music Awards Date: Monday, May 25, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT (1:00 AM BST May 26 / 9:00 AM AEST May 26) Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas Channel: CBS (USA) Streaming: Paramount+ USA (Premium plan for live; any plan next-day on-demand) Host: Queen Latifah How to Watch in Canada without Cable TV: Paramount+ US with a VPN

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Quick Steps to Watch AMAs 2026 Live Online in Canada:

1. Download and subscribe to a VPN. I highly recommend NordVPN since it works flawlessly with Paramount+ US during testing and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Open the VPN app, sign in, and connect with the US server. I used NordVPN’s fastest server based on my location.
3. Visit Paramount+ and sign in or sign up for a premium plan. You can use an American virtual card to pay for the subscription from Canada.
4. Once you sign in or sign up, live stream the American Music Awards 2026 in Canada on May 25th.

Note: Unlike Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc., you can’t access Paramount+ US with your existing Paramount+ Canada account, even with a VPN.

Why Are the American Music Awards Not Available in Canada?

Content licensing is the culprit. The American Music Awards broadcast rights in the US belong to CBS and Paramount+. Those rights cover US territory only.

Canadian broadcasters negotiate separately for events like this, and the AMAs do not have a current Canadian broadcast deal with any streaming service, and getting cable or satellite TV for one award is too expensive.

This means:

• Paramount+ Canada does not carry the AMAs: its content library is licensed differently from Paramount+ USA.
• CBS.com is geo-blocked in Canada: you’ll see a ‘not available in your region’ message.
• There is no Canadian streaming service currently airing the AMAs live.
• There is no direct option available in Canada to watch AMAs 2026 without cable TV.

The only budget-friendly way to watch 52nd American Music Awards live stream Canada is to access Paramount+ USA with a VPN.

Watch 2026 American Music Awards in Canada on Paramount+

Here’s the fastest route to watching the show live:

1. Subscribe to a VPN with reliable US servers. I recommend NordVPN since it’s the fastest and most consistent VPN for streaming Paramount+ USA from Canada.
2. Download and open the VPN app on your device, and connect to the US server. I recommend using NordVPN’s fastest server location rather than connecting to any city server by yourself.
3. Go to paramountplus.com and subscribe to the Paramount+ Premium plan (required for live streaming). You can use virtual cards, Paramount+ US gift cards to pay for the plan. For more read “How to Watch Paramount Plus USA in Canada.”
4. On the night of May 25, make sure your VPN is connected to a US server, then open Paramount+ and find the AMAs live broadcast.

Pro Tip: Connect to your VPN before opening Paramount+. If you load Paramount+ first and then activate the VPN, you may still see Canadian content. Always VPN first, stream second.

How to Watch American Music Awards on Every Device in Canada

Once you have a VPN subscription and a Paramount+ Premium plan, here’s how to get it running on all your favorite devices.

On a Laptop or Desktop (Easiest Method)

1. Open your VPN app and connect to a US server.
2. Open your browser and go to paramountplus.com.
3. If you’re not already signed in, log in to your Paramount+ account.
4. On May 25 at 8:00 PM ET, find the live AMAs broadcast and press play.

Pro Tip: This is the simplest setup. No app installation, no device configuration. Just VPN + browser and you’re watching.

On iPhone or iPad

1. Download the VPN app from the App Store.
2. Connect to a US server in the VPN app.
3. Download the Paramount+ app from the App Store, or go to paramountplus.com in Safari.
4. Sign in and navigate to the live American Music Awards stream on May 25.

Note: If you can’t find the Paramount+ app in the Canadian App Store, change your App Store region to the US temporarily: Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases > Country/Region > United States. You’ll need to enter a US address (any US hotel address works) and select ‘None’ as the payment method to browse the US store.

On Android TV, Phones, and Tablets

1. Install NordVPN app from the Google Play Store and connect to a US server.
2. Open the Google Play Store, search for ‘Paramount+’ and install it.
3. Sign in to Paramount+ and watch the AMAs live on May 25.

Pro Tip: If the Paramount+ app isn’t available in your region on Google Play, change your Play Store country to the US while connected to a US VPN server: Play Store > Profile > Settings > General > Country and profiles.

On Amazon Fire TV Stick or Fire TV

1. Install your VPN from the Amazon Appstore on your Fire Stick.
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a US server.
3. Search for ‘Paramount+’ in the Fire TV Appstore and install it.
4. Sign in and tune in to the live AMA broadcast on May 25.

Pro Tip: Amazon Fire Stick is our top recommendation for watching the AMAs on your big-screen TV from Canada. VPN apps are natively supported, setup takes under 5 minutes, and the Paramount+ Fire TV app delivers excellent picture quality.

On Apple TV (tvOS 17+)

Apple TV running tvOS 17 or later supports VPN apps natively. Install your VPN from the Apple TV App Store, connect to a US server, then install and open Paramount+.

For older Apple TV models without App Store VPN support, use NordVPN’s SmartPlay (Smart DNS) instead: enter the SmartPlay DNS IP in your Apple TV network settings, and it will route your Apple TV traffic through a US IP automatically.

On Samsung or LG Smart TV

Most Samsung and LG Smart TVs don’t support VPN apps natively. You have two options:

1. Use NordVPN’s SmartPlay Smart DNS to change your TV’s DNS settings to the SmartPlay IP address (available in your NordVPN account dashboard). This lets you access Paramount+ USA without installing a VPN app.
2. Set up a VPN on your router: all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi, including your smart TV, will automatically use the VPN.

Alternatively, connect your laptop to your TV via an HDMI cable and stream Paramount+ through your browser, the simplest solution that requires no TV-specific configuration.

On PlayStation or Xbox

Gaming consoles don’t support VPN apps directly. Use one of these methods:

1. Router VPN: Install your VPN on your home router. Every device on your Wi-Fi, including your PS5 or Xbox, will use the VPN automatically.
2. Smart DNS (NordVPN SmartPlay): Configure DNS settings on your console’s network settings page. This bypasses the geo-block without encrypting your traffic.

On Roku

Roku devices don’t support VPN apps natively. The best approach is Smart DNS (NordVPN SmartPlay): go to your Roku’s network settings, enter the SmartPlay DNS IP address, and then install the Paramount+ channel from the Roku Channel Store. Your Roku will appear as a US device to Paramount+.

Note: Smart DNS does not encrypt your internet traffic. It only re-routes DNS lookups to spoof your location. It’s faster than a full VPN for streaming but provides no privacy protection. For privacy-conscious viewers, set up a VPN on your router instead.

Can I watch AMAs 2026 live online if I am traveling from the US to Canada?

If you’re an American visiting or temporarily living in Canada and you already pay for Paramount+ USA, you’ll run into the same geo-block problem.

Paramount+ will detect your Canadian IP address and either show you a limited library or prevent access to live CBS content entirely.

The fix is the same: use a VPN to connect to a US server, which gives you back your US IP address and restores full access to your existing Paramount+ account, including live AMAs streaming on May 25.

Step-by-Step: Restoring Paramount+ Access as an American in Canada

1. Before traveling to Canada, install a VPN on all your devices (NordVPN is my top pick). It’s much easier to set this up while still in the US.
2. When you arrive in Canada, open the VPN app and connect to any US server.
3. Open Paramount+ as normal; your existing subscription will work as if you’re still in the US.
4. On May 25 at 8:00 PM ET, tune in to the live AMAs broadcast.

Situation	Problem	Solution
Canadian trying to watch AMAs	Paramount+ USA is geo-blocked in Canada	Subscribe to Paramount+ USA with a VPN (US server)
American traveler in Canada with a Paramount+ US account	Canadian IP blocks live CBS on Paramount+	Use VPN to get US IP. It restores full access to your existing account
American in Canada without a Paramount+ US account	Both geo-block AND no subscription	Get VPN, then subscribe to Paramount US+ while connected to US server

AMA 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Date, Time, and Where to Watch

Detail	Information
Event	52nd American Music Awards (2026)
Date	Monday, May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day)
Start Time	8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
US Broadcast Channel	CBS
US Streaming (Live)	Paramount+ Premium plan
US Streaming (On Demand)	Paramount+ any plan available from May 26
Canadian Access	Via VPN + Paramount+ USA see guide above
Host	Queen Latifah

Who will host the American Music Awards 2026?

Queen Latifah is hosting the 2026 American Music Awards, and for her, it’s a homecoming. The Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning performer previously co-hosted the AMAs back in 1995. Now, more than 30 years later, she returns to lead what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of the show.

‘I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,’ Latifah said in an official statement. ‘It’s been an incredible year for music, and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.’

Who will perform at the AMAs 2026?

The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) will feature performances by Twenty One Pilots, Teddy Swims, Keith Urban, Maluma, KATSEYE, Hootie & The Blowfish, Riley Green, and SOMBR.

For reference, last year’s 2025 AMAs hosted by Jennifer Lopez featured performances by Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Renee Rapp, Benson Boone, and Janet Jackson. This page will be updated as the 2026 performer lineup is confirmed.

AMAs 2026 Nominees

Here is the list of 2026 AMA nominees:

Artist of the Year

• Bad Bunny
• Bruno Mars
• BTS
• Harry Styles
• Justin Bieber
• Kendrick Lamar
• Lady Gaga
• Morgan Wallen
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Taylor Swift

New Artist of the Year

• Alex Warren
• Ella Langley
• KATSEYE
• Leon Thomas
• Olivia Dean
• SOMBR

Album of the Year

• Cardi B – AM I THE DRAMA?
• Fuerza Regida – 111xpantia
• Justin Bieber – SWAG
• Lady Gaga – Mayhem
• Morgan Wallen – I’m The Problem
• Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• Playboi Carti – MUSIC
• Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
• Tate McRae – So Close To What
• Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl

Song of the Year

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) – “Golden”
• Kehlani – “Folded”
• Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
• Morgan Wallen – “I’m The Problem”
• Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• SOMBR – “back to friends”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Collaboration of the Year

• BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”
• David Guetta, Teddy Swims & Tones And I – “Gone Gone Gone”
• Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae – “What I Want”
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• Shaboozey & Jelly Roll – “Amen”

Social Song of the Year

• Disco Lines & Tinashe – “No Broke Boys”
• PinkPantheress – “Illegal”
• Role Model – “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”
• Tyla – “CHANEL”
• Zara Larsson – “Lush Life”

Best Music Video

• KATSEYE – “Gnarly”
• ROSALÍA, Björk & Yves Tumor – “Berghain”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”
• Tyla – “CHANEL”

Best Soundtrack

• F1 The Album
• Hazbin Hotel: Season Two
• KPop Demon Hunters
• Wicked: For Good
• Wuthering Heights

Tour of the Year

• Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter Tour
• Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Grand National Tour
• Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball
• Oasis – Oasis Live ’25 Tour
• Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Breakout Tour

• Benson Boone – American Heart World Tour
• Kali Uchis – The Sincerely, Tour
• The Marías – Submarine Tour
• Megan Moroney – Am I Okay? Tour
• Sleep Token – Even in Arcadia Tour

Breakthrough Album of the Year

• Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• SOMBR – I Barely Know Her
• Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun

Best Throwback Song

• 4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up”
• Black Eyed Peas – “Rock That Body”
• Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris”

Best Vocal Performance

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) – “Golden”
• Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
• RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”
• SIENNA SPIRO – “Die on this Hill”

Song of the Summer

• Alex Warren – “FEVER DREAM”
• Bella Kay – “iloveitiloveitiloveit”
• BTS – “SWIM”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• Harry Styles – “American Girls”
• Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
• PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
• SOMBR – “Homewrecker”
• Tame Impala & JENNIE – “Dracula”
• Taylor Swift – “Elizabeth Taylor”

POP

Best Male Pop Artist

• Alex Warren
• Benson Boone
• Ed Sheeran
• Harry Styles
• Justin Bieber

Best Female Pop Artist

• Lady Gaga
• Olivia Dean
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Tate McRae
• Taylor Swift

Breakthrough Pop Artist

• KATSEYE
• SIENNA SPIRO
• Zara Larsson

Best Pop Song

• Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
• The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X – “Golden”
• Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Pop Album

• Lady Gaga – Mayhem
• Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
• Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
• Tate McRae – So Close To What
• Taylor Swift – The Life of a Showgirl

COUNTRY

Best Male Country Artist

• Jelly Roll
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen
• Riley Green
• Shaboozey

Best Female Country Artist

• Ella Langley
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Lainey Wilson
• Megan Moroney
• Miranda Lambert

Best Country Duo or Group

• Brooks & Dunn
• Old Dominion
• Rascal Flatts
• Treaty Oak Revival
• Zac Brown Band

Breakthrough Country Artist

• Sam Barber
• Tucker Wetmore
• Zach Top

Best Country Song

• BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”
• Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
• Morgan Wallen – “Just In Case”
• Russell Dickerson – “Happen To Me”
• Shaboozey – “Good News”

Best Country Album

• BigXthaPlug – I Hope You’re Happy
• Megan Moroney – Cloud 9
• Morgan Wallen – I’m The Problem
• Sam Barber – Restless Mind
• Tucker Wetmore – What Not To

HIP-HOP

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

• Don Toliver
• Kendrick Lamar
• Playboi Carti
• Tyler, The Creator
• YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

• Cardi B
• Doechii
• GloRilla
• Sexyy Red
• YKNIECE

Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist

• EsDeeKid
• Monaleo
• PLUTO

Best Hip-Hop Song

• Cardi B – “ErrTime”
• Drake – “NOKIA”
• Gunna & Burna Boy – “wgft”
• Playboi Carti & The Weeknd – “Rather Lie”
• YKNIECE, Quavo, Metro Boomin & Breskii – “Take Me Thru Dere”

Best Hip-Hop Album

• Cardi B – AM I THE DRAMA?
• Don Toliver – OCTANE
• Gunna – The Last Wun
• Playboi Carti – MUSIC
• YoungBoy Never Broke Again – MASA

R&B

Best Male R&B Artist

• Bruno Mars
• Chris Brown
• Daniel Caesar
• PARTYNEXTDOOR
• The Weeknd

Best Female R&B Artist

• Kehlani
• Summer Walker
• SZA
• Teyana Taylor
• Tyla

Breakthrough R&B Artist

• Leon Thomas
• Mariah the Scientist
• Ravyn Lenae

Best R&B Song

• Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
• Chris Brown & Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
• Kehlani – “Folded”
• Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
• Mariah the Scientist – “BURNING BLUE”

Best R&B Album

• Bruno Mars – The Romantic
• Justin Bieber – SWAG
• Leon Thomas – MUTT
• Mariah the Scientist – HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY
• Summer Walker – Finally Over It

LATIN

Best Male Latin Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Junior H
• Peso Pluma
• Rauw Alejandro
• Tito Double P

Best Female Latin Artist

• Gloria Estefan
• KAROL G
• Natti Natasha
• ROSALÍA
• Shakira

Click here to see complete list of AMA Awards 2026 nominees.

AMAs 2026 Categories

Category
Artist of the Year	New Artist of the Year
Album of the Year	Song of the Year
Collaboration of the Year	Social Song of the Year
Best Music Video	Best Soundtrack
Tour of the Year	Breakthrough Touring Artist
Best Vocal Performance	Song of the Summer
Best Pop Song / Album	Best Country Song / Album
Best Hip-Hop Song / Album	Best R&B Song / Album
Best Latin Song / Album	Best Rock/Alternative Song / Album
Best Dance/Electronic Artist	Best K-Pop Artist (Male & Female)
Best Afrobeats Artist	Best Americana/Folk Artist
Throwback Song of the Year	Best Male/Female per genre (Pop, Country, Hip-Hop, R&B, Latin)

AMAs 2026 Canada Start Time

The AMAs kick off at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Here’s when that is across Canadian time zones:

Canadian Time Zone	Cities / Provinces	AMA Start Time
Newfoundland Time (NT)	St. John’s, NL	9:30 PM NDT
Atlantic Time (AT)	Halifax, Moncton, NS, NB, PEI	9:00 PM ADT
Eastern Time (ET)	Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, QC, ON	8:00 PM EDT
Central Time (CT)	Winnipeg, MB; Regina, SK	7:00 PM CDT
Mountain Time (MT)	Calgary, Edmonton, AB	6:00 PM MDT
Pacific Time (PT)	Vancouver, Victoria, BC	5:00 PM PDT

Pro Tip: The AMAs run approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Pacific time viewers starting at 5:00 PM can comfortably watch the full show before 8:00 PM — a perfect Sunday evening activity (even though it airs on a Monday, it’s Memorial Day, a US public holiday).

Final Thoughts

The AMAs 2026 are shaping up to be a landmark show.

Queen Latifah hosting her first AMAs in 30 years, a fan-voted format that makes every ballot count, and a Las Vegas stage that’s becoming the AMAs’ new permanent home. It’s the kind of live broadcast you want to watch in real time, not on recap clips the next morning.

For Canadians, a reliable VPN paired with a Paramount+ USA Premium subscription is the straightforward, proven solution. NordVPN is my top recommendation for anyone who wants a guaranteed hassle-free experience.

Mark May 25 on your calendar, get your setup ready a day or two in advance so you’re not troubleshooting minutes before the show starts, and enjoy one of the most fan-driven nights in music.