The 2026 American Music Awards aired May 25 and proved what many fans have known all along – the best music lived in the past.
The show was a nostalgic blast featuring the best hits, bands, and music references of the 1980’s through to the 2000’s – and it just kept giving.
Unlike the Grammy Awards, where winners are chosen by industry professionals, the American Music Awards are decided entirely by fan voting. Fans cast ballots across genres ranging from country and alternative rock to K-pop, shaping a lineup that reflected their direct tastes and passions. This year’s show felt like a roll call from the past, packed with throwback moments that lit up the crowd and reinforced a clear message: audiences still gravitate toward music that defined earlier eras.
Fans were treated to a goose bump-inducing, impromptu singalong to “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, an epic Pussycat Dolls performance, and the return of the legendary boy band, New Kids On The Block – and that was just the beginning.
Our host @IAMQUEENLATIFAH introduces @pussycatdolls‘ first #AMAs performance in 20 years… with a special cameo 👀 @googoodolls pic.twitter.com/zA4hh3ZXI9
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
The nostalgia surged when host Queen Latifah made her way through the audience and stopped to chat with Goo Goo Dolls singer John Rzeznik in a seemingly unplanned moment.
She noted their hit song “Iris” was nominated that evening, then addressed the crowd by saying, “Come on, ya’ll know it!” The live audience comprised of both fans and famous faces immediately joined the sing-along and belted out the lyrics “‘And I don’t want the world to see me, Cause I don’t think that they’d understand. When everything’s made to be broken I just want you to know who I am.”
The camera panned the audience capturing the touching moment as people of all ages and walks of life sang in unison.
Later that evening Queen Latifah spotted Ludacris in the crowd and quoted a few words from his hit single “Stand Up,” immediately prompting the crowd to join in once more.
“When I move you move,” Latifah said.
Luda and the crowd chimed in to complete the lyric by shouting, “just like that.”
When I move, you move… just like that 😎
Living for that @IAMQUEENLATIFAH x @Ludacris crossover! #AMAs pic.twitter.com/UBt6Vfx5Up
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
The dominant throwback energy continued when Hootie & the Blowfish took the stage a full 30 years after they were named Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist.
The band, led by Darius Rucker, performed two of their greatest hits, “Hold My Hand,” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” The audience mouthed the lyrics while singing and dancing in their seats. At one point Katseye – who weren’t even born when the songs were hits, were spotted swaying to the music.
Loved that @HootieTweets #AMAs performance! ❤️
Don’t miss any more of the music 🎶 Tune in NOW on @CBS and @paramountplus! pic.twitter.com/Q0LweV2XRy
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
New Kids on the Block took fans back to 1988 with a performance of “The Right Stuff,” and Fergie reunited with the Black Eyed Peas to accept an award.
Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, and Kimberly Wyatt heated up the staged while dressed in red latex. The Pussycat Dolls performed “Buttons,” “When I Grow Up,” their new single, “Club Song,” and “Don’t Cha,” which included a cameo by Busta Rhymes.
The Pussycat Dolls perform at the #AMAs pic.twitter.com/jgIaxV6gtS
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) May 26, 2026
Accepting the final honor of night, 70-year-old punk rocker Billy Idol accepted the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, and belted out a performance that reminded fans that rock and roll lives on. (RELATED: REPORT: Mick Jagger To Star In ‘Three Incestuous Sisters’ Film At Age 82)
The original IDOL never disappoints ✨ Thanks for the good times, @billyidol. #AMAs pic.twitter.com/3eOU4o7lHe
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
New artists were recognized and awarded throughout the evening, but the throwbacks shone brighter.