Queen Latifah returned to host the 2026 American Music Awards after 31 years. The rapper/actress wore a fur overcoat from Christian Siriano’s 2026 Fall Collection.
Latifah, born Dana Owens, wore her hair in a slick ponytail extension. She brought her family, life partner Eboni Nichols and their son, Rebel, who was born via IVF in 2019.
The family posed with Kaavia James Union Wade, the 7-year-old daughter of retired NBA star Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union.
Eboni, 48, wore a dark green floor length dress with cutouts at the thighs. She wore a matching cropped jacket and accessorized with gold and pearl jewelry.
Rebel was styled in a black shorts set with black socks and black loafers, all by Thom Browne.
For years, Latifah kept her sexual orientation private. She finally came out during her BET Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech on Gay Pride Day, June 27, 2021.
Latifah said she wanted to recognize Eboni and Rebel because they were part of her journey. “I was getting a lifetime achievement award, and I didn’t want to leave out the people who were part of the lifetime,” she said.
“Yeah, it’s about that. It’s really that simple. It’s so not more complicated than that. And it’s funny because it’s not always that deep.”
Toward the end of her speech, Latifah said, “Eboni my love. Rebel my love. Peace [and] Happy Pride.”
Latifah told reporters she was “nervous” but “excited” to host the 2026 AMAs.
“I know it’s going to be great just because of the people that are performing and that this is a fan-favorite show. The fans get to pick who they want to see and who they think should win,” she said. “This is always something that really comes back to the people, and I’m going to make sure that the people feel good about what they’re seeing and hearing.”
Latifah previously hosted the AMAs in 1995. She also performed “Superwoman” at the awards show in 2008, with Alicia Keys and Kathleen Battle.