Gear up for the 2021 American Music Awards with these 12 podcasts featuring the night’s biggest stars

Podsauce is looking forward to this Sunday’s American Music Awards hosted by Cardi B. We’ve rounded up a bundle of podcasts to listen to before watching the show.

On our list, we’ve selected podcasts with Cardi B, artists scheduled to perform, and nominees. There are audio-only performances from BTS and Taylor Swift, along with a podcast episode ranking Taylor’s catalogue and exploring Taylor’s Versions. Also, hear interviews from nominees Lil Nas X, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, and more.

Pop Shop Podcast

On this episode of Billboard’s “Pop Shop Podcast,” hosts Keith Caulfield and Katie Atkinson discuss why Cardi B is the best choice for this year’s AMAs. In previous years, Cardi B received three AMA nominations.

The Breakfast Club

Cardi B called into iHeartRadio’s “The Breakfast Club” to catch up with hosts DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne tha God. She discussed new music, quarantine, motherhood, and more. She also delved into the QC label. This interview was from 2020, but is still a great listen. Later on in this episode, 2 Chainz was interviewed.

Backstage Pass with Eric Vetro

Ariana Grande’s AMA nominations include Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Pop Artist, and Favorite Pop Album. She stopped by “Backstage Pass with Eric Vetro” in October, and listeners were treated to a bit of her vocal lesson with Eric. Ariana flaunts her range, discusses her perfect pitch, Broadway influence, touring, and more. Then Eric shares more about his vocal coaching experiences.

UNPLUGGED Live Concerts

Get ready for BTS’ AMA appearance by revisiting the K-pop group’s Tiny Desk Concert from 2020. In this episode, hear hits like “Dynamite,” “Uptown Funk,” “Save ME,” and more. BTS is nominated for Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop Duo or Group, and Favorite Pop Song.

The Breakfast Club

Another awesome episode from iHeartRadio’s “The Breakfast Club!” Lil Nas X chatted with “The Breakfast Club” in September about his album, influences, and more. Lil Nas X is nominated for Favorite Male Pop Artist and Favorite Music Video.

Zach Sang: Just The Interviews Podcast

Cumulus Podcast Network presents “Zach Sang: Just The Interviews Podcast.” The host is a former Nickelodeon star, pop culture fanatic, and DJ. On this episode, Olivia Rodrigo talks about her album Sour, writing music, and breaking records with her super-smash “drivers license,” just to name a few topics. Olivia has several AMA nominations including Artist of the Year, Favorite Trending Song, Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album, and more.

Rolling Stone Music Now

In this episode of “Rolling Stone Music Now,” critic Rob Sheffield ranked Taylor Swift‘s song catalogue and unpacked Taylor’s Versions. Rob is joined by Rolling Stone staff writer Brittany Spanos. This year, Taylor is nominated for Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Pop Artist, and Favorite Pop Album.

Tiny Desk Concert – Audio

NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts – Audio,” is the podcast version of the performances played at All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen’s desk at NPR’s office, and at artists’ homes during their “At Home” series. Taylor Swift stopped by NPR in 2019 for an acoustic set. This episode is 29 minutes long.

Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware

Ed Sheeran recently told Podsauce he listens to “Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware.” In August 2021, Ed chatted with hosts Jessie and Lennie about his enthusiasm for wine, the food served at his wedding, his wife’s vegetable garden, and when he eats tomato soup. He also discussed teaching table etiquette to his daughter and more. Ed is nominated for a Favorite Male Pop Artist AMA.

Popcast

The New York Times’ “Popcast” is a music commentary podcast. This episode from 2016 talked about Bruno Mars and The Weeknd’s influences and appreciation for vintage music. Both artists are nominated for AMAs — Bruno has three nominations with his group, Silk Sonic. The Weeknd has six nominations.

The Beat with Ari Melber

Lil Baby was interviewed on MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber.” He discussed his music, BLM, visiting the White House, and creating Barack Obama’s playlist. He also did a lightning round that answered questions about Drake, Jay Z, Young Thug, and Diddy.

Mountain Stage

Chris Stapleton is nominated in three AMA categories: Favorite Country Album, Favorite Male Country Artist, and Favorite Country Song. This episode of NPR’s “Mountain Stage” was recorded in 2015 and features performances from Chris Stapleton, Joan Osborne, Rock My Soul: The Fairfield Four & The McCrary Sisters, and Joe Ely.