Karol G Enchants at 2026 AMAs With Ethereal ‘Ivonny Bonita’ Performance

Skip to main content Maya Georgi, Jaeden Pinder May 25, 2026 Karol G performs at the 2026 AMAs on May 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images Karol G made the most of her first-ever performance at the American Music Awards. The Colombian superstar took the stage to deliver “Ivonny Bonita” from Tropicoqueta, plus received the special International Artist Award of Excellence and Best Latin Album for Tropicoqueta. Karol G looked ethereal as she performed on a circular stage, veiled by a sheer curtain.

As she sang “Ivonny Bonita,” she utilized the drapery and small setup with titillating choreography, keeping the audience captivated with complex floorwork and her vocals. Immediately following her set, John Legend presented the superstar with the International Artist Award of Excellence for her outsized global impact on music and culture at large. The accolade was last received by Whitney Houston in 2009. “Like millions of fans everywhere, I think the world of Karol G,” Legend remarked. “There are artists who make hits, and then there are artists who make history.” Karol riffed that she was honored to receive the accolade from Legend because this is a “legend moment in my career.” She also noted how her music gave her life new purpose. “The most important thing in my life is purpose. I found purpose through my music,” she told the audience. “I’m just happy that I can perform … and I can say things in my songs and become a voice for a lot of people, a healing place, a safe place.” She continued: “I just think that my life is meaningful because of my music, and to help others through it.” Legend then returned to the stage to surprise Karol by revealing she also received the AMA for Best Latin Album, to her delight. “Ivonny Bonita” was produced by Pharrell, and the singer has called it “probably the most important song on Tropicoqueta.” “The song truly expresses what I would like women to feel about themselves when they listen to each song on the album,” Karol told Rolling Stone last year. “I want them to feel confident.” “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,” executive producers Barry Adelman, EVP, Television, and Alexi Mazareas, SVP, Programming & Development, Dick Clark Productions said in a statement about the International Artist Award of Excellence. Trending Stories Is the Star Wars Franchise Finally Cooked? Spencer Pratt Is the Same as He Ever Was Meet the Yes Keyboardist Who Also Gave Us 'Video Killed the Radio Star' and 'Heat of the Moment' 'The Rest Is History' Hosts Talk Rome, Trump vs. Obama, and What's Next for MAGA Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century The Colombian superstar is a nine-time American Music Awards nominee and is being recognized for her Tropicoqueta album at this year’s ceremony.

Besides her win for Best Latin Album, she’s also nominated in two categories, including Best Latin Song for “Latina Foreva” and Best Female Latin Artist. Karol G’s dominance at the American Music Awards coincides with an exciting time for the superstar. In April, she made history with her headlining Coachella performance, becoming the first Latina to do so. She subsequently announced the Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour, a global stadium trek that kicks off this summer.

View this post on Instagram Thank you for giving the world your music, @KarolG 🫶 Congrats on receiving the International Artist Award of Excellence! #AMAs pic.twitter.com/OUQpPc1UAA — American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026 Sombr Sings Aching 'Homewrecker' Hit in a Rainstorm During AMAs Performance Larisha Paul and Charisma Madarang Hootie and the Blowfish Hit Big on Their Return to the AMAs Stage With Medley Brian Hiatt and Jaeden Pinder BTS Bring 'Hooligan' Music Video to Life at the American Music Awards Jon Blistein and Charisma Madarang American Music Awards: The Complete Winners List Althea Legaspi Álvaro Díaz Balanced Bold Sounds and Big Losses — and Made ‘Omakase’ Julyssa Lopez Go to PMC.com Most Popular Phil Collins Says He Declined to Perform at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, but Would "Contemplate" Future Live Performances Tom Hardy Out of 'Mobland' Season 3 After Season 2 Wraps Production Hurry! Tupperware's 80th Anniversary Collection Retro Bowl Set Is on Sale for Only 1 More Day! Kyle Busch, Two-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champ, Dies at 41 You might also like American Music Awards Photo Gallery: See EJAE, Rei Ami, Katseye, Sombr, Karol G, Teyana Taylor and Other Stars on the Red Carpet and Backstage 3 hours ago Little Sleepies Just Put Parents’ Favorite Pajamas on Sale for Up to 65% Off — Shop Two Piece Sets, Onesies & Blankets 2 hours ago The 18 Best Movies We Saw at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival EFL Championship Final Worth $490M If Winner Stays in Premier League Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

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