Taylor Swift To Open American Music Awards In October

Taylor Swift will make her first awards show performance in nearly three years when she opens the 2018 American Music Awards on Oct. 9 on ABC with a performance of “I Did Something Bad.”

A 19-time American Music Award winner, Swift garnered four 2018 nominations and is the current record holder of most wins for Artist of the Year, a category for which she is nominated again this year, along with nominations for AMA Tour of the Year, Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock, and Favorite Album – Pop/Rock.

Set to take the stage on the heels of her record-breaking reputation stadium tour, Swift joins previously-announced performers benny blanco with Halsey and Khalid, Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin, Mariah Carey, Ciara featuring Missy Elliott, Dua Lipa, Panic! At the Disco, Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Carrie Underwood and a moving tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the show will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)

• New Randy Travis Album ‘Same Old Way’ Slated For November - September 4, 2026
• Opry To Celebrate Vince Gill’s 35th Anniversary With Two Shows - September 4, 2026
• Americana Music Association Announces Performers For 25th Annual Honors & Awards Show - September 4, 2026