Taraji P. Henson announced as host of the 2020 American Music Awards

The former 'Empire' star will do the hosting duties for one of this year's biggest award shows

Nov 2, 2020

This week, Empire leading lady Taraji P. Henson was announced as the host of the 2020 American Music Awards.

“The AMAs brings together the music community to celebrate what really drives all artists—the fans,” Henson said 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.”

“Broadcasting live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, this year’s nominees include two-time AMA winner The Weeknd and rapper Roddy Ricch, both of whom snagged eight nominations, leading all of this year’s nominees; and both earning a nomination for the night’s most coveted award, Artist of the Year,” reads the official announcement.

“First-time nominee Megan Thee Stallion earned five nominations, becoming the most nominated female artist this year, including nods in the New Artist of the Year and Collaboration of the Year categories. And in a six-way tie, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and first-time nominees DaBaby and Doja Cat all earned four nominations each. As previously announced, global superstar and two-time nominee Dua Lipa will perform at this year’s show.”

Taraji P. Henson And American Express Launch #ExpressThanks Pop Up Cafe — Taraji P. Henson and American Express Launch #ExpressThanks Pop Up Cafe at Grand Central Station on March 06, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images,)

This year’s event will air Sunday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Last month, Henson confirmed that she and her fiancé Kelvin Hayden called it quits nearly two years after the former NFL star proposed.

The actress confirmed their breakup during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, noting that they just couldn’t bounce back after hitting a rough patch, PEOPLE reports.

“I haven’t said it yet but it didn’t work out,” said Henson, 50, of her romance with Hayden, 37. “I tried, I said, ‘let’s do the therapy thing’ but if you’re both not on the same page with that, then you feel like you’re taking it on yourself and that’s not a fair position for anybody to play in a relationship.”