Karol G became the standout star last night at the 52nd edition of the American Music Awards (AMAs), held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, by taking home two awards and kicking off the ceremony with a performance that the AMAs themselves described in four words: "fantastic, magnificent, magical, mystical."
The Colombian artist received the International Award for Artistic Excellence from singer John Legend, becoming the first Colombian artist and the first Latina in history to receive this award, which had not been presented since 2009.
The award carries significant historical weight: among its previous recipients are Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, and Whitney Houston.
Legend did not hold back on his praise while presenting the recognition. "Like millions of fans everywhere, I think Karol G's world is extraordinary," said the singer, who also emphasized that the artist was the first Latina to headline Coachella in the 27-year history of the festival last April.
Legend added that his tour Traveling the World Tropitour sold over 2 million tickets in four days, expanding from 39 to 63 concerts in stadiums around the world.
Karol G also took home the award for Best Latin Album of the Year for Tropicoqueta, a recognition that completely surprised her and made her jump for joy on stage.
In her speech, the artist appeared visibly emotional and reflective about the meaning of her career. "Wow. What an honor, John, for you to present me with this award. This is going to be a legendary moment in my career, without a doubt," she expressed.
Then he went beyond material achievements: "More than anything this career has given me, the most important thing in my life is purpose. I found my purpose through my music. I'm simply happy to be able to perform a song and to express things in my songs that become a voice for many people, a place of healing, a safe space."
Before receiving the awards, Karol G opened the ceremony by performing Ivonny Bonita, one of the singles from Tropicoqueta, dressed in silver with sheer elements in a minimalist stage setup that focused on her voice and stage presence.
The performance included a striking dance break and, according to her fans, a snippet of what could be her next song.
On the blue carpet before the event, Karol G wore a black outfit featuring a long-sleeved sheer lace top and a long, voluminous skirt, posing with a heart gesture towards the cameras.
On that same carpet, the artist revealed what her dream collaborations would be among the attendees of the gala. "Today I want to meet Twenty One Pilots and Pussycat Dolls because when I was little, I wanted to be famous, I wanted to be a star, I wanted to be in movies, like the song. I really want to meet them," she confessed.
The gala also awarded BTS as Artist of the Year, Shakira with Tour of the Year for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, and Sabrina Carpenter with Album of the Year for Man's Best Friend.
The album Tropicoqueta, released in June 2025, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and reached number one on the Top Latin Albums, solidifying Karol G as one of the most influential Latin artists of the moment globally.
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