Global music powerhouse

Karol G is set to make history with an award previously presented to Whitney Houston and Beyoncé

The honor arrives during a career-defining era for the Colombian singer and actress

MAY 13, 2026 1:07 PM EDTMAY 13, 2026, 1:07 PM EDT

Karol G is set to make history once again! The groundbreaking Latin superstar will receive the International Artist Award of Excellence at the 52nd American Music Awards, marking the first time the honor has been presented since Whitney Houston received it in 2009.

According to CBS and Dick Clark Productions (DCP), the prestigious award recognizes artists whose music and cultural impact have resonated on a global scale, inspiring audiences worldwide. Previous recipients include legendary acts such as Aerosmith, Bee Gees, Beyoncé, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, and Rod Stewart.

This year’s American Music Awards will be hosted by Queen Latifah and broadcast live from the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

The honor arrives during a career-defining era for the Colombian singer and actress. In April 2026, the superstar became the first Latina artist to headline Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

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She is also a global touring force. After announcing her latest world tour, the massive stadium trek sold more than 2 million tickets within four days, prompting organizers to expand the "Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour" from 39 to 63 confirmed dates worldwide. Multiple cities added second, third, and even fourth shows due to overwhelming demand.

The tour supports her chart-topping 2025 album “Tropicoqueta,” which earned three nominations at this year’s AMAs, including Best Latin Album.

The movement of the feathers amplified her choreography, turning every step into a visual spectacle. — Karol G performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Karol also has more than 128 billion career streams and over 310 RIAA Platinum certifications in the United States. She also holds the distinction of being the only female artist to win the Grammy Awards for Best Música Urbana Album.

Her groundbreaking 2023 album “MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO” made history as the first Spanish-language album by a woman to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The accompanying “Mañana Será Bonito Tour” became another milestone achievement, selling more than 2.3 million tickets across 62 stadium and arena shows worldwide while grossing more than $300 million.

Karol G In Concert - East Rutherford, NJ — Karol G performs during the Manana Sera Bonito Tour at MetLife Stadium at MetLife Stadium on September 07, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“KAROL G has redefined what it means to be a global artist,” said executive producers Barry Adelman, EVP, Television, and Alexi Mazareas, SVP, Programming & Development, Dick Clark Productions. “Through her authenticity, groundbreaking achievements, and powerful connection with fans around the world, she has helped bring Latin music to unprecedented heights. We are proud to honor KAROL G with the International Artist Award of Excellence for her extraordinary impact on music and culture worldwide.”

This year’s American Music Awards will be hosted by Queen Latifah and broadcast live from the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The ceremony will air live coast-to-coast on CBS and Paramount+ beginning at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.

The star-packed lineup already includes performances from Hootie & the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, and Twenty One Pilots, with more performers expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift leads this year’s AMA nominations with eight nods. Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter, and SOMBR follow closely behind with seven nominations each.