The 2026 American Music Awards: Every Performance Ranked

The 2026 American Music Awards took over the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25. Hosted by Queen Latifah, the evening was a celebration of fan-voted excellence, highlighting a diverse array of global talent. While the show honored American music, the night was defined by international superstars, with BTS and Karol G delivering some of the most talked-about moments.

A Night of Tributes and Triumphs

Taking place on Memorial Day, the ceremony partnered with 11 military and veterans’ services organizations to salute active-duty service members and veterans. Queen Latifah and Darius Rucker led heartfelt tributes, with Rucker also taking the stage as part of Hootie & the Blowfish. By the end of the night, BTS secured the prestigious Artist of the Year award, while Sombr also walked away with three trophies.

Performance Rankings

The performances ranged from nostalgic throwbacks to high-energy pop spectacles. Here is how the night’s sets stacked up:

• Keith Urban, “Summer Breeze”: A technically proficient cover, though perhaps a bit low-energy for the final hours of an awards show.
• Twenty One Pilots, “Drag Path”: A complex, lore-heavy performance that resonated with fans but may have felt opaque to casual viewers.
• New Kids on the Block, “The Right Stuff”: A fun, neon-soaked diversion that successfully teased their upcoming Las Vegas residency.
• Billy Idol, “Eyes Without a Face”/”Dancing With Myself”: A gritty, rock-fueled finale that saw the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient close the show on a high note.
• Riley Green, “Worst Way”: A solid, smoldering performance of a fan-favorite track.
• Hootie & the Blowfish, “Hold My Hand”/”Only Wanna Be With You”: A nostalgic, well-executed opening that proved the band’s enduring appeal.
• Maluma, “Tu Recuerdo”: A warm, charming, and nostalgic salsa-infused moment.
• Teyana Taylor, “All of Your Heart”: A cinematic, sci-fi-inspired spectacle that felt like a true artistic statement.
• Pussycat Dolls, “Buttons”/”When I Grow Up”/”Club Song”/”Don’t Cha”: A high-octane reunion that brought mid-2000s energy back to the stage.
• Sombr, “Homewrecker”: A breakout moment for the young singer-songwriter, who commanded the stage with raw, emotive rock energy.
• Karol G, “Ivonny Bonita”: An ethereal, acrobatic performance that solidified her status as a powerhouse performer.
• BTS, “Hooligan”: A sleek, high-intensity performance from Allegiant Stadium that set the tone for the entire evening.
• KATSEYE, “Pinky Up”: A candy-colored, adrenaline-fueled explosion of pop that injected the show with infectious energy.

The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.