Riyadh hosts Joy Awards 2026 as Katy Perry opens ceremony alongside global stars

This year’s ceremony drew a wide range of guests, including Shah Rukh Khan, Nancy Ajram and Millie Bobby Brown

Katy Perry opened the Joy Awards 2026 in Riyadh with a high-profile performance that set the tone for the sixth edition of the ceremony, held as part of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season celebrations.

 

 

 

 

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The US pop star appeared on stage on January 17 wearing a gold blazer, beginning the night with a polished vocal performance accompanied by fireworks and tightly choreographed dancers dressed in red leather outfits.

pic.twitter.com/tvpEsryWxM

— Today Katy Perry Media (@todaykatypmedia) January 17, 2026

Addressing the audience at the start of the ceremony, she said, “Welcome to the Joy Awards,” as the venue lit up in a dramatic display designed to match the scale of the event.

The opening act was followed later in the evening by another international performance, with British singer Robbie Williams taking to the stage to perform a selection of his best-known songs. The ceremony brought together figures from Arab entertainment, Bollywood and Hollywood, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s most visible pop culture events.

Perry returned to the stage later in the night to present the award for Favourite Female Singer, using the moment to reflect on the role of music. “Good evening, Riyadh. Music is magic, it lights even the darkest rooms. It turns stories into songs, turns motion into melody, and ordinary moments that we cherish for a lifetime,” she said. “Artists give feelings to thoughts we can't give words for!”

She also praised female performers whose voices, she noted, do more than entertain and instead create meaningful connections with audiences.

The Joy Awards, often described as the region’s People’s Choice Awards, are decided by public vote and celebrate achievements across music, cinema, sport and entertainment. This year’s ceremony drew a wide range of guests, including Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Arab music icon Nancy Ajram, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, and Squid Games actor Lee Byung-hun all of whom appeared on the lavender carpet.

Brown was also honoured with the Personality of the Year Award at the ceremony.

Held annually, the event continues to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a host for large-scale international cultural celebrations.