Awards shows just got a lot more fun! It’s been announced that rapper Cardi B will host the upcoming American Music Awards, making it her first awards show hosting duty in her career. She follows Taraji P. Henson, who hosted in 2020. She also joins the list of Black women in music who have hosted the show, like Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah and Ciara.
“When I received the invite to host the AMAs, I was so excited,” Cardi said in a statement to People. “I’m ready to bring my personality to the AMAs stage!”
“We are immensely excited to have the dynamic Cardi B bring her infectious energy to the American Music Awards as a first-time host,” shared the show’s executive producer, Jesse Collins. “She will excite the viewers, push the limits and deliver a show that will be remembered forever!”
The “WAP” rapper has won five AMAs of her own. She also made history in 2020 for winning the award for Favorite Song in the Rap/Hip Hop category for “WAP,” making her the first person in history to nab that particular trophy twice. She first won in 2018 for her breakout single, “Bodak Yellow.”
The new mom of 2 is an established artist, with her debut (and sole) album “Invasion of Privacy” having been certified triple platinum by the RIAA. She’s garnered multiple #1’s on the Billboard Hot 100, including: “Bodak Yellow,” “Girls Like You,” “I Like It,” “Up,” and “WAP.”
Cardi B is also an astute businesswoman, having inked deals with Reebok, Pepsi, and MAC Cosmetics. Additionally, she’s the host of American Idol-style hip-hop competition show, “Rhythm + Flow” and the star of Facebook Messenger’s series “Cardi Tries.”
Among this year’s nominees are GIVEON, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, SZA, Erica Banks, Lil Nas X and more.
The American Music Awards will air on ABC on Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. EST.
Photo credit: Francois Durand / Stringer/Getty Images