AMAs 2021: Megan Thee Stallion won't perform due to a 'personal matter'; More about the show

The American Music Awards are in full swing this year to celebrate the latest and most popular in the industry.

Following the 2020 AMAs which saw an in-person show before vaccines were rolled out, this year's show may prove to be safer by requiring attendees to be fully vaccinated and wear face masks.  

The AMAs are one of the few awards shows that are driven by public voting which is currently underway and will be open until Nov. 16. This year is the first year fans can vote for their favorite artist in every AMA category online and on TikTok. 

With the added element of TikTok popularity and new categories for viral music, this year is sure to be different for the awards show. Here's what to know before it airs: 

Who is performing at the AMAs?

BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny and many more are set to take the stage to perform. The AMAs originally announced on Nov. 8. Korean pop group BTS would take the stage with "Savage" rapper Megan Thee Stallion for a performance of their hit remix "Butter." However, about two weeks later, Megan Thee Stallion revealed she would not be performing with the group. 

"Hotties I was so excited to go to the @AMAs and perform with @BTS_official, but due to an unexpected personal matter, I can no longer attend," she tweeted Saturday. "I’m so sad!" 

Viewers can expect other performances from Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean, a stage battle between New Edition and New Kids on the Block, Diplo and Mickey Guyton. 

Rodrigo, who leads in the AMAs nominations, will make her debut on the AMA stage and Bad Bunny will return to the AMAs stage for his world premiere performance of “Lo Siento BB:/.” 

Who is hosting the AMAs? 

The AMAs announced Nov. 2 that five-time AMA winner Cardi B will be hosting this year's awards show. 

"When I received the invite to host the AMAs, I was so excited … I’m ready to bring my personality to the AMAs stage," the 29-year-old rapper said in a press release. 

Cardi B made an impact on the AMAs in 2018 when she graced the stage for the first time since being pregnant with daughter Kulture. She along with J Balvin and Bad Bunny performed a vibrant and rhythmic version of "I Like It."  

AMAs:Cardi B thanks her daughter, avoids Nicki Minaj during acceptance speech

Where can I watch the AMAs? 

Unless you find yourself getting a ticket for the show which will take place at Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater, you can watch the AMAs from the comfort of your home on ABC Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. 

The show will also stream on Hulu the next day. 

Who are the top AMAs nominees? 

Olivia Rodrigo is making her first time being nominated for an AMA one to remember as she walks into the awards show with seven nods, the most of the night.  She's up for an award in such categories as artist of the year, new artist of the year, favorite pop album and favorite pop artist.  

The Weeknd is right behind the "drivers license" singer in nominations with six.

See the full list:Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd, Bad Bunny lead American Music Awards nominations

Artist of the year, which is considered the show's biggest award, will be battled out between The Weeknd, Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, BTS, Drake and Taylor Swift. 

Other highly nominated artists include Reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny, TikTok queen Doja Cat and "Heartbreak Anniversary" singer Giveon who have five nominations each. 

Where have I heard that before?:How Drake, Doja Cat, more sample hits to find chart success

What are the new AMAs categories?

The 2021 AMAs are shaking things up by adding new categories to the winners' list. Some of those new trophies will come from fans voting for their favorite trending song with nominees from TikTok who created the year's most viral tunes, favorite gospel artist (for which Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is nominated) and favorite Latin duo or group. 

Contributing: Pamela Avila