Karol G had a major night at the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Colombian star performed ‘Ivonny Bonita,’ accepted the international artist of excellence honor, and then learned she had won best Latin album for ‘Tropicoqueta.’ The surprise win came moments after John Legend praised her impact and handed her one of the AMAs’ rarest honors.
Karol G’s AMAs performance and major honor
Billboard reported that Karol G turned the AMAs stage into a soft, snowy setting for her performance of ‘Ivonny Bonita,’ a track from her 2025 album ‘Tropicoqueta.’ She began behind a sheer curtain as white flurries fell around her, then stepped forward in a shimmering silver outfit while performing solo choreography.After the performance, John Legend took the stage to present her with the 2026 International Artist of Excellence honor. He also praised her historic Coachella headlining set in April. The award had not been given since 2009, when Whitney Houston received it.Karol G thanked Legend and marked the moment with a playful nod to his name. “What an honor, John, that you gave me this award … this is going to be a legend in my career,” she said. She then spoke about what music has given her. “I want to say, more than anything, this career has given me the most important thing in my life: purpose,” Karol G said. “I can say things in my songs that become a voice for a lot of people, a healing place, a safe place. I think my life is meaningful because of my music.”
Karol G wins best Latin album for ‘Tropicoqueta’
As Karol G prepared to leave the stage, Legend stopped her with one more announcement. She had also won best Latin album for ‘Tropicoqueta.’ The singer looked shocked as she heard the news.’Tropicoqueta,’ released in June 2025, debuted at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Karol G is also set to launch her Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour in July, after the trek sold 2 million tickets in four days.She entered the night with three nominations, including best female Latin artist and best Latin song for ‘Latina Foreva.’ The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.
