Few people had a better start to the 2026 American Music Awards than sombr.

The 20-year-old pop-rock sensation delivered a rollicking performance of his hit single “Homewrecker” Monday (May 25), complete with stage-drenching rainfall and a dramatic smudge of his heavy black eyeliner, just a few moments after taking home the first trophy of the night.

Sombr began his set assuming the standard rock star stance in a half-open black button-down shirt and black jeans, tearing through an arrangement of “Homewrecker” that boosted the track’s pounding drums and driving guitars. By the time he reached the final chorus, rain began to drop from the ceiling, dousing Sombr and his backing band as they nailed the song’s infectious climax. To seal the deal, the Grammy-nominated star wiped his face, making sure to smudge his eyeliner for a picture-perfect sad-boy finale. “Homewrecker,” which stands as Sombr’s highest-debuting single on the Billboard Hot 100, has peaked at No. 19 on the all-genre ranking.

Earlier in the night, 2026 Golden Globes host and Grammy and Emmy-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser presented sombr with the first award of the night, best rock/alternative song for “Back to Friends.” In January, “Friends” became sombr’s highest peaking Hot 100 hit (No. 7), still ranking as his sole top 10 entry. That gorgeous pyramid trophy wasn’t the only accolade sombr received at Monday night’s ceremony. During her opening monologue, host Queen Latifah gushed, “You know how I feel about you!” while shouting out Sombr in a rundown of the night’s buzzy attendees. With seven overall nominations, sombr’s already a winner — in more ways than one — at the 2026 American Music Awards.

Sombr is currently gearing up for his upcoming You Are the Reason Tour, which kicks off on July 22 at Mexico City’s Pepsi Center WTC. The 39-date trek will take him to arenas across North America, eventually concluding at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov. 24. The “Undressed” singer tapped an eye-catching list of support acts, including Interpol, The Last Dinner Party, Dove Cameron, Balu Brigada, Tom Odell, King Princess, The Hellp and Hannah Jagadu

The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.

Some of music’s biggest stars descended upon the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Memorial Day Monday (May 25), showing off their best looks on the red carpet at the 2026 American Music Awards.

Everyone from icons to today’s rising stars stunned as they arrived. Among them were Paula Abdul, who rocked a white sculptural gown that included a geometric silver and flesh-toned mermaid skirt; New Kids on the Block in double-breasted suits; Ludacris in a matching oxblood leather suit white shirt and matching kicks; KATSEYE in figure-flaunting looks; Tinashe in a daring white-lace gown and more.

Going into the evening, Taylor Swift led with an impressive eight nominations, with a historic 40 wins already under her belt. Close behind the pop superstar at seven each are Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, sombr and Morgan Wallen. Lady Gaga and Alex Warren are third with six apiece.

The legend Queen Latifah returned to host the 52nd edition of the annual ceremony. She previously cohosted the 1995 show alongside Tom Jones and Lorrie Morgan. Performers this year include BTS, Karol G, Billy Idol (who is also being honored with a lifetime achievement award), NKOTB and KATSEYE. Previously announced stars who are set to take the stage to present the trophies are Olympian Alysa Liu, GloRilla, HUNTR/X singers EJAE and REI AMI, Lisa Rinna, Luda, Abdul and many others.

The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.