Glitter, Glamour and Comebacks: Hilary Duff, Paula Abdul, Teyana Taylor and More Light Up the 2026 American Music Awards
Hilary Duff Photo Credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
The 2026 American Music Awards of 2026 delivered everything fans could want from a major music event: nostalgia, jaw-dropping fashion, standout performances, and surprise celebrity moments that instantly took over social media. Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and hosted by Queen Latifah, the fan-voted celebration blended old-school icons with today’s biggest stars for one of the most talked-about AMAs in recent years.
Black Eyed Peas. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
One of the night’s biggest talking points was the return of Hilary Duff, who attended the AMAs for the first time in more than two decades. Duff stunned on the red carpet in a shimmering silver chainmail-inspired Rabanne gown that instantly became one of the evening’s standout looks. Social media erupted with praise for the singer and actress, with fans celebrating both her fashion moment and her recent return to music.
Katseye. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
Duff also stepped onto the stage as a presenter, reminding audiences why she remains such a beloved figure from the early 2000s pop era. Her appearance fit perfectly with the ceremony’s nostalgic energy, which included performances and reunions from legendary acts including the Black Eyed Peas and The Pussycat Dolls.
New Kids On The Block. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
Meanwhile, Paula Abdul brought timeless star power to the event as one of the evening’s presenters. Abdul dazzled in a sheer white gown that blended classic Hollywood elegance with modern glamour, proving once again why she remains a red carpet favorite decades into her career.
Teyana Taylor. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
Teyana Taylor also turned heads the moment she arrived. Wearing a dramatic purple strapless gown with a daring slit, Taylor dominated the red carpet conversation before later taking the stage as one of the night’s featured performers. Fans online praised her fearless fashion and commanding stage presence, with many calling her one of the evening’s MVPs.
EJAE. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
Another breakout name generating buzz was EJAE, who appeared as a presenter during the ceremony. EJAE’s appearance highlighted the AMAs’ continued embrace of global music culture and the growing crossover influence of international artists in the American mainstream.
Queen Latifah. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
The night itself balanced celebration and spectacle. Performances from KATSEYE, Twenty One Pilots, Maluma, and Teddy Swims kept the energy high throughout the ceremony, while veteran artists like Billy Idol and New Kids on the Block delivered major nostalgia moments for longtime music fans.
Billy Idol. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
Fashion remained one of the biggest stars of the evening. From metallic gowns and dramatic feathers to bold cutouts and vintage-inspired silhouettes, the red carpet reflected the AMAs’ growing reputation as one of music’s most fashion-forward nights. Celebrities including Karol G, Tinashe, Lisa Rinna, and John Legend added even more star power to an already packed evening.
Paula Abdul. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
By the end of the night, the 2026 American Music Awards felt less like a standard awards show and more like a celebration of multiple generations of music culture coming together under one roof. Whether it was Hilary Duff’s long-awaited return, Paula Abdul’s timeless glamour, EJAE’s breakout crossover moment, or Teyana Taylor’s undeniable red carpet dominance, this year’s AMAs gave fans plenty to talk about long after the final award was handed out.
Nikki Glaser. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
Beyond the performances and awards, many viewers praised the ceremony for feeling more energetic and celebratory than recent award shows. The audience appeared fully engaged throughout the night, with artists dancing in their seats, cheering for one another, and creating a party atmosphere that translated well on television. Fans online described the event as refreshing, especially compared to more formal award ceremonies that can sometimes feel overly scripted.
Maluma. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
The emotional highlights also helped make the evening memorable. Several artists used their acceptance speeches to thank loyal fans who have supported them through career highs and lows, while others spoke about creativity, perseverance, and the evolving music industry. Those heartfelt moments added depth to a night otherwise filled with glitter and spectacle.
Karol G. Photo credit: acerophotos / Anthony Acero
By the end of the night, the 2026 American Music Awards felt less like a standard awards show and more like a celebration of multiple generations of music culture coming together under one roof. Whether it was Hilary Duff’s long-awaited return, Paula Abdul’s timeless glamour, EJAE’s breakout crossover moment, or Teyana Taylor’s undeniable red carpet dominance, this year’s AMAs gave fans plenty to talk about long after the final award was handed out.