By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: RICH POLK/DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS
The 2026 American Music Awards took place on Monday night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Queen Latifah hosted the event for the first time in 31 years.
Latifah has come a long way in the last 31 years. She has grown from being a hip-hop artist to making commercials, movies, and TV shows, and at one point had her own CBS TV show. Her body of work is incredible. She did a good job hosting the award show. Latifah has the personality and charisma to be an exceptional host.
BTS were one of the big winners of the night. The male group took home the Artist of the Year award for the second consecutive year. They beat tough competition, including Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift.
“Army, we made it once again,” a BTS member said. “It’s an honor to have this precious award once again after everybody has done their military service. Like the legendary Busta Rhymes said, “it’s a fan-voted award.” Our biggest thanks and gratitude, as always, go to the Army’s all over the world.”
Busta Rhymes presented the award to BTS. The male group also won for song of the summer for their single “Swim.” As for Rhymes, he performed with the Pussycat Dolls on stage.
BTS label mates, Katseye, took home three awards, including New Artist of the Year. Sabrina Carpenter won album of the year for Man’s Best Friend.
New Kids on the Block performed “You Got It (The Right Stuff.” It is one of the night’s amazing performances. It brought back memories for everyone who grew up in the 80s listening to their classics.
Black Eyed Peas brought joy to everyone’s face when they reunited for the award show. Many people were excited to see Fergie again. The group accepted the award for Best Throwback Song.
“To all of our supporters who have made content throughout the years, thank you so much,” Fergie said.
Billy Idol took the stage to perform his hits and also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I’ve been able to live my dream, and it’s really all because of you,” Idol said. “When I started in punk rock back in 1976, we thought it might only last about six months, let alone 50 years.”
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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