Best moments from AMA 2026: From the Black Eyed Peas’ reunion to BTS’ return after 4 years

This year’s American Music Awards have been nothing short of a spectacle. From BTS and TWICE’s win this year to the much-awaited Black Eyed Peas reunion. This year’s award show was all about celebrating music and honoring nostalgia. Here is a look at some of the most iconic moments from AMA 2026

This year’s award show was filled with some iconic moments. From reunions and returns, all in honor of the nostalgic past. The 1984 band New Kids on the Block could not help but join in on the fun as they returned to the music awards show with their song ‘You Got It (The Right Stuff)’. The five remaining members (Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood) of the beloved pop group got up on stage dressed in their best suits and belted out the lyrics of one of the most loved songs. Fans cheered at the top of their lungs as the group sang their hearts out on stage, and even broke into the iconic dance moves related to the song.

This year’s lifetime achievement award was presented to none other than the iconic Billy Idol! The famed singer took to the stage to accept the prestigious award at the AMAs this year and could not stop smiling about it. He talked about his start as a young kid in the punk rock genre, and further added on an inspirational note, citing “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.”

After accepting the award, the 70-year-old showed why he is still one of the most iconic stars of all time, and rocked the stage with his song ‘Eyes Without a Face.’ He was even joined by his right-hand man, Steve Stevens, on stage, who amazed the crowd with his powerful guitar riffs. He also rocked out with Queen Latifah, who was hosting the award shows. This was the first time that Idol was taking over the AMA’s stage and also the first appearance that he had made since 2004.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently celebrated their 8th anniversary. The couple posted about the same online, which was also accompanied by Paula Abdul’s iconic song ‘Forever Your Girl’. At the AMA awards red carpet ceremony, Abdul brought out her fangirl energy and revealed what it was like to see the royals use her song for their anniversary post. “I was in shock, and I was so touched. I never take anything for granted with my career; I never have. And so, I'm always humbled to have little gems like that appear in my life. It's very touching,” she gushed while talking to E! News.

The Black Eyed Peas are one of the most iconic musical groups of all time, which is why it felt right to bring them back on stage for one of their most popular songs. ‘Rock Your Body,’ which was released 16 years ago, ended up winning the award for best throwback song. When the group got on stage, the cheers welcoming them up there were as loud as they could get.

The group had a reunion for the award, which ended up turning into an emotional moment as Fergie joined the stage with will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap. By her side. Accepting the award, she 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.”

Fans cheered as loudly as they could for the famed K-pop group as they made their official return to the AMAs this year after being on hiatus for almost 4 years. The group was welcomed in style, and even ended up taking an award home.

While on stage, RM, their leader, made sure to show just how happy they were to be back, citing that “All of us are so happy to be back together at the AMAs again.” The group made history as they landed the awards for artist of the year, song of the summer with ‘Swim’ and best male K-pop artist. During the acceptance speech, they cited that “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.”