The American Music Awards 2026 delivered a spectacular night filled with nostalgia, emotional reunions, and historic wins. From the long-awaited return of BTS to the Black Eyed Peas' heartfelt reunion, the ceremony celebrated music's past and present. Here are the most iconic moments from this year's event.
New Kids on the Block Return to the AMAs
The 1984 pop band New Kids on the Block made a triumphant return to the AMAs stage, performing their classic hit 'You Got It (The Right Stuff)'. The five remaining members—Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood—dressed in sharp suits and delivered an energetic performance that had fans cheering. They broke into the iconic dance moves associated with the song, proving their enduring appeal.
Billy Idol Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Rock legend Billy Idol was honored with the lifetime achievement award at the AMAs. The 70-year-old singer accepted the award with a smile, reflecting on his punk rock roots. He inspired young musicians, saying, "To any kid out there who loves any music, if you're inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, pick an instrument, find out who you are, and be it." He then rocked the stage with 'Eyes Without a Face', joined by guitarist Steve Stevens and host Queen Latifah. This marked Idol's first AMA performance and his first appearance since 2004.
Paula Abdul's Fangirling Over Meghan Markle
On the red carpet, Paula Abdul expressed her excitement after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry used her song 'Forever Your Girl' for their eighth anniversary post. "I was in shock, and I was so touched. I never take anything for granted with my career; I never have," she gushed to E! News. "It's very touching."
Black Eyed Peas' Emotional Reunion for Best Throwback Award
The Black Eyed Peas reunited on stage to accept the award for best throwback song with 'Rock Your Body', released 16 years ago. Fergie joined will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap, creating an emotional moment. Accepting the award, Fergie said, "What a moment. I want to thank all of the fans for voting for this, so I can stand up here right now with my longtime friends and brothers, the Black Eyed Peas. In honor of this special song, this era, 'Rock That Body,' there are so many memories along the line with that."
BTS Wins AMA After Four-Year Hiatus
The K-pop group BTS made a triumphant return to the AMAs after nearly four years, winning awards for artist of the year, song of the summer with 'Swim', and best male K-pop artist. Leader RM expressed their joy, saying, "All of us are so happy to be back together at the AMAs again." He added, "When we made this album, we had a lot of pressure and we tried to figure out what music felt like us right now. The only thing we believed then was that we had to make music that felt most like us."
