Taraji P. Henson set to host the American Music Awards

Catch it November 22 on CTV.
November 2, 2020 11:50 a.m. EST
November 3, 2020 12:34 p.m. EST
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Just one week after announcing this year’s nominations, the American Music Awards (Nov. 22 at 8pET on CTV) now have an emcee. Taraji P. Henson is set to host the 2020 AMAs, marking the Golden Globe winner’s first time taking on hosting duties at the annual event.On Monday morning, Dick Clark Productions and ABC announced Henson as this year's host. The Empire and Hidden Figures star will take the stage when the annual show airs live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles (yes, from the theatre).  "WE GON HAVE SOME FUN!!!" the host announced on Instagram.
“The AMAs brings together the music community to celebrate what really drives all artists—the fans," said Henson in a statement.  "I’m proud to take the stage as this year’s host—and also a fan—for what promises to be an electrifying night of music."News of Henson’s upcoming AMA debut comes just a few weeks after it was announced she will host a Facebook Watch series about mental health. Peace of Mind with Taraji will feature Henson and her best friend, Tracie Jade Jenkins. The women will appear together in the weekly series to discuss mental health with a focus on how issues affect the Black community. The new series is a great fit for Henson, who in 2018 launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. Named for Henson’s father, a Vietnam War veteran who experienced mental health issues following his time in the military, the foundation provides support and resources for members of the Black community experiencing mental health challenges.[video_embed id='2050179']RELATED: Taraji P. Henson hosting a new show about mental health [/video_embed]Nominations for the 2020 AMAs were announced October 26 with Canadian artist The Weeknd and newcomer Roddy Ricch leading the pack with eight nominations each. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion wasn’t far behind with five nominations, including two entries for Best Collaboration. The Atlanta native enjoyed massive success this year with her Cardi B single “WAP” and “Savage Remix” with Beyoncé.Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Bad Bunny and DaBaby are all up for four AMAs this year. During last year’s ceremony, Swift took home the Artist of the Decade Award and broke Michael Jackson’s record by winning a total of 28 AMAs (Jackson won 24 during his career). Swift is nominated for Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist this year, a category she previously won in 2009, 2013, 2018 and 2019. If Swift wins this year, she will break Whitney Houston and Olivia Newton-John’s record of four wins.Fifteen-time AMA winner and Canadian artist Justin Bieber could also break a record this year. The pop star is up for Artist of the Year and Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist. If Bieber wins the latter, it will mark his fourth win in the category, beating the records set by Eric Clapton, Michael Bolton, Michael Jackson and Barry Manilow.Dua Lipa, who announced this year’s AMA nominations, is the only performer confirmed so far this year. Earlier this month, the Billboard Music Awards took place with in-person performances, although the event did not include a live audience.Watch the 2020 American Music Awards Sunday, November 22 at 8pET on CTV.[video_embed id='-1']BEFORE YOU GO: Husky is totally unimpressed after being asked to get off chair [/video_embed]

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