Karol G Wins International Artist of Excellence and Best Latin Album at 2026 American Music Awards

Karol G achieved multiple milestones at the 52nd American Music Awards on Monday, May 25, 2026. The Colombian singer delivered a featured performance, accepted the International Artist Award of Excellence, and won the award for Best Latin Album during the ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The evening’s highlights began with a performance that transported the audience to an ethereal, snowy setting. Karol G performed Ivonny Bonita from her 2025 album Tropicoqueta, utilizing solo choreography while partially concealed by a sheer curtain. As white flurries fell, the singer emerged from the chiffon in a shimmering silver outfit.

During the set, she sang lyrics describing a woman as un escándalo and una obra de arte, noting that si la vieras bailando lento, es un espectáculo.

Immediately following the performance, John Legend took the stage to present Karol G with the International Artist Award of Excellence. This specific honor recognizes an artist whose cultural influence and music have resonated on a global scale, impacting audiences worldwide. The award is rarely bestowed, with the previous recipient being Whitney Houston in 2009.

Other past honorees for the International Artist Award of Excellence include Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, Aerosmith, and Rod Stewart.

In a joint statement regarding the honor, executive producers Barry Adelman, evp of television, and Alexi Mazareas, svp of programming and development at Dick Clark Productions, highlighted the singer’s role in the industry.

Karol G has redefined what it means to be a global artist. Through her authenticity, groundbreaking achievements and powerful connection with fans around the world, she has helped bring Latin music to unprecedented heights.

During her acceptance speech, Karol G expressed the significance of the moment, telling Legend, What an honor, John, that you gave me this award … this is going to be a legend in my career.

I want to say, more than anything, this career has given me the most important thing in my life: purpose. 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.

As the singer prepared to leave the stage, John Legend revealed a surprise second win for the night. Karol G was announced as the winner of Best Latin Album for Tropicoqueta, a revelation that left the vocalist visibly shocked.

The album Tropicoqueta, released in June 2025, saw significant commercial success upon its debut, reaching the top of the Top Latin Albums chart and peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

The singer is currently preparing for the Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour, which is scheduled to begin on July 24, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The tour has experienced overwhelming demand, selling 2 million tickets within four days. The tour expanded from 39 to 63 confirmed stadium dates worldwide, with several cities adding second, third, and fourth nights.

The 2026 American Music Awards recognized Karol G in other categories as well. She received nominations for Best Female Latin Artist and Best Latin Song for the track Latina Foreva.

These accolades follow a historic achievement in April 2026, when Karol G became the first Latina artist to headline the Coachella festival.

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