Apl.de.ap, KATSEYE’s Sophia bring Pinoy pride to American Music Awards wins

Pinoy stars shine on the global stage as Apl.de.ap and Sophia deliver heartfelt Filipino shoutouts during their AMA victories.

Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap and KATSEYE’s Sophia showcased Pinoy pride during their wins at the 2026 American Music Awards on May 25—even delivering parts of their acceptance speeches in Filipino.

The Black Eyed Peas took home best throwback song for “Rock That Body,” their 2010 hit that gained a new life on TikTok as a dance trend.

Former member Fergie joined Apl.de.ap, will.i.am, and Taboo on stage to accept the award. Apl.de.ap, who grew up in Pampanga, opened their speech by thanking fans worldwide who voted for the song before adding, “Maraming salamat, mahal ko kayo. Mabuhay ang Filipino!”

KATSEYE, meanwhile, emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home new artist of the year, breakthrough pop artist, and best music video for “Gnarly.” The group also performed its latest single, “Pinky Up.”

During their acceptance speech, Sophia—born in New York but raised in Metro Manila—thanked fans with a warm “Maraming, maraming salamat!” Before that, she gave a shout-out to K-pop phenomenon BTS “for inspiring us to represent our culture at a global scale.”

BTS was among the night’s top winners, taking home artist of the year, song of the summer for “SWIM,” and best male K-pop artist.

The AMAs is the world’s largest fan-voted awards show. Artists get nominated based on fan interaction and streaming data, while fans determine the winners through online web ballots and designated social media platforms.