The 2026 American Music Awards, held on Memorial Day Monday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, delivered a night of explosive performances, nostalgic reunions, and bold new statements from some of music's biggest acts. Hosted by Queen Latifah, the ceremony showcased a diverse lineup that spanned generations of pop, rap, and K-pop.

BTS kicks off the show

Queen Latifah, donning a white, feathery ensemble, opened the ceremony by introducing a pre-taped performance from BTS. The K-pop group, filmed during their ongoing world tour, performed 'Hooligan' from their Billboard 200-topping album ARIRANG. The seven members—RM, j-hope, Jimin, Jung Kook, SUGA, V, and Jin—executed intricate choreography in all-black leather, shrouded in fog and red lighting. The performance energized the Las Vegas crowd, with ARMY fans waving light sticks. BTS is currently in the middle of a four-night stint at Allegiant Stadium, with shows on May 27 and 28, and is nominated for several awards including artist of the year.

“Watch this, watch this beat going hooligan/ We pop out, we actin' a fool again.”

KATSEYE's colorful 'Pinky Up' era

KATSEYE delivered one of the night's most visually elaborate performances, singing their single 'Pinky Up' two-thirds of the way through the telecast. The five members—Daniela, Lara, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae—burst out of a giant pink teddy bear on a set designed as a hyper-colorful tearoom. Extras mimed drinking tea with pinky fingers aloft before the group launched into a riot of EDM rhythms and pink hues, with their costumes festooned with tiny bear faces. The performance marked their first televised appearance as a five-piece following the February hiatus of member Manon Bannerman, who stepped away to focus on her health. The group earned three nominations: new artist of the year, breakthrough pop artist, and best music video for 'Gnarly.'

“I think the fans can really expect to see us explore more areas of our identity when it comes to the things that people have said, whether it's good or bad. You can see us touching on that and clapping back at it.”

Pussycat Dolls reunite with Busta Rhymes

In a fiery comeback, original Pussycat Dolls members Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, and Kimberly Wyatt reunited for a medley of hits. Dressed in skintight red latex catsuits, the trio powered through 'Buttons,' 'When I Grow Up,' and their new single 'Club Song' before being joined by Busta Rhymes and his hypeman Spliff Star for their classic 'Don't Cha.' Busta Rhymes matched the group's energy in a cherry red leather jacket and pants, delivering his verse as the only rap act slated to perform at the ceremony. The group's PCD Forever Tour, though mostly canceled, will still launch on June 6 at the Outloud WeHo Pride event in West Hollywood.

“We're back!”

Host and nominees

Queen Latifah, who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year, kept the energy high throughout the night. She tapped into her MC skills, highlighted her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and encouraged donations to military organizations in honor of Memorial Day. She also spotted Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Reznick in the audience, and the two briefly duetted on the group's hit 'Iris.' Taylor Swift led the nominations with eight nods, followed by Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, sombr, and Morgan Wallen with seven each. Billy Idol was set to receive a lifetime achievement award.

“The energy is crazy in here! Make some noise!”

What's next for the performers

KATSEYE will release their EP 'Wild' on August 14, followed by the Wildworld Tour starting in Europe in September before heading stateside in October. BTS continues their global stadium tour in support of 'ARIRANG.' The Pussycat Dolls' reunion performance sets the stage for their upcoming festival appearance, signaling a new chapter for the trio.