Karol G Stuns at the 2026 Amas With a Surprise Win for Tropicoqueta After Accepting International Artist Honor
LAS VEGAS, NV — Karol G turned the 2026 American Music Awards into a career-defining moment on Monday, moving from a high-profile performance to an emotional acceptance speech and then a second surprise trophy.
At the MGM Grand Garden Arena, she performed “Ivonny Bonita” from Tropicoqueta, accepted the International Artist of Excellence honor and then learned she had also won best Latin album.
A snowy stage set framed the performance
Karol opened her AMAs appearance with a theatrical solo routine that placed her inside a wintry scene, with white flurries falling around her as she sang behind a sheer curtain.
She emerged in a shimmering silver look as the performance built around lyrics from “Ivonny Bonita,” giving the audience a polished showcase of the sound and style tied to Tropicoqueta.
John Legend presented a rare AMAs honor
Right after the performance, John Legend came onstage to present the International Artist of Excellence award. He noted Karol’s headline-making Coachella set earlier this year as part of the introduction.
The category is unusual at the AMAs: it had not been awarded since 2009, when Whitney Houston received it. Karol joked during her speech that the honor would become “a legend” in her career.
Tropicoqueta kept piling up milestones
Karol’s surprise did not stop there. As she prepared to leave the stage, Legend revealed that she had also won best Latin album for Tropicoqueta, leaving her visibly stunned.
Released in June last year, the album debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Karol also spoke about music as her sense of purpose, calling it a place of healing and safety for listeners.
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