Taraji P. Henson Set to Host 2020 American Music Awards

Taraji P Henson at the 2016 American Music Awards, Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, CA 11-20-16 — Photo by s_bukley

Taraji P. Henson will host the 2020 American Music Awards from Los Angeles later this month, ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced Monday.

“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.”

The actress is best known for playing Cookie Lyon on Fox drama Empire. She is currently developing an Empire spinoff with her production company, TPH Entertainment, as part of her first-look deal with 20th Television. She will additionally be hosting a new talk show for Facebook Watch that shines a spotlight on mental wellness in the Black community.

Related Story: American Music Awards 2020 – Roddy Ricch and The Weeknd Lead the Nominations

This will be Henson’s first time hosting the AMAs. Among the nominees this year are pop star The Weeknd and rapper Roddy Ricch, who lead the competition with eight nominations each. Megan Thee Stallion follows with five nominations. Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and DaBaby and Doja Cat all received multiple nominations.

The 2020 American Music Awards program is produced by Dick Clark Productions. Amy Thurlow, Barry Adelman, Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn are executive producers. Larry Klein is producing.

The awards will be broadcast from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. EST/PST, on ABC.