The 2026 American Music Awards are kicking off tonight, and the energy is already building around the stars who’ll be competing for the night’s biggest honors. But before all the red carpet glamour and stage spectacle unfolds, the nominees are getting real—and getting dressed (or undressed, depending on your perspective).
The women nominees aren’t holding back. Karol G, Sexyy Red, and Kehlani are serving looks that strip away the typical awards show polish, rocking two-pieces with the kind of confidence that says they’re here to own the night. It’s a refreshing shift from the usual gown-and-heels formula—these artists are showing up as themselves, unapologetically bold and ready for the moment.
And if you’re here for the male stars, don’t worry. Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and more are dropping their own steamy contributions to the pre-show buzz, proving that award season eyecandy comes in all forms. The whole vibe feels less“formal affair”and more“let’s see who these people really are when the cameras catch them unguarded.”
What makes this approach work is that it humanizes these massive talents right before they hit the stage. You’re not seeing the polished, untouchable version—you’re getting a peek at real people with real swagger, which actually raises the anticipation for what they’ll deliver tonight. It’s a reminder that the nominees bringing the music are just as compelling off-stage as they are when performing.
The 2026 AMAs gallery is live now, and if you’ve got a keen eye, there’s a guessing game built right in. Can you match the faces to the stars? Either way, tonight’s going to be a reminder of why these artists earned their nominations in the first place.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
