Maluma Brings Colombian Pride to the 2026 American Music Awards

Maluma officially returned to the American Music Awards stage for the first time in six years with a heartfelt performance of “Tu Recuerdo.” The star’s Colombian pride was front and center as he brought the spirit of his Medellín hometown to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night.

Taking the stage with a full band, backup singers, and a microphone stand wrapped in the Colombian flag, Maluma delivered a joyful rendition of his latest track for fans gathered in Vegas and watching around the world. Toward the end of his performance, the singer stepped off the stage for a quick dance number and to walk through the crowd before finishing his set as the audience cheered.

Earlier this month, Maluma returned to music with Loco x Volver, his seventh studio album and first LP in three years. “This album was therapy for me,” the star said in an interview with Apple Music. “It’s like I had the opportunity to reconnect with the child within,” he added. Loco x Volver saw the Colombian-born musician tapping back into his roots by infusing his signature Latin pop with traditional, regional genres. He also collaborated with a handful of some of the most important voices across Latin music, including Arcángel, Grupo Frontera, Justin Quiles, Lenny Tavárez, Ryan Castro, Kany García, Beéle, NG, and Luny Tunes.

The last time Maluma took the stage at the American Music Awards was back in 2020 when he joined Jennifer Lopez to sing their collaboration “Pa’ Ti + Lonely.” That sensual performance marked Maluma’s debut at the award show.

This year, Maluma joined an exciting slate of performers at the American Music Awards, including Karol G, Katseye, Teddy Swims, and Sombr.