Native Designers Jennifer Younger and Mikailah Thompson’s Pieces Were Worn by Taboo and Teddy Swims for the 2026 American Music Awards

When the cameras rolled at the 2026 American Music Awards, two major artists took center stage wearing the work of Native jewelry designers Jennifer Younger and Mikailah Thompson, and the story behind each piece is as memorable as the night itself.

Teddy Swims, the soulful powerhouse whose voice has dominated charts and playlists over the past few years, wore two pieces by Younger: a cast and engraved Eagle talon necklace and a sterling silver Arrow necklace. It wasn’t his first time reaching for her work, either. “Teddy’s team reached out again for the AMAs, so that was a thrill to get a ‘callback’ so to speak,” Younger shared. That kind of repeat client energy, from a team styling one of music’s biggest voices, speaks volumes about the staying power and impact of her designs.

Then there was Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, who brought a little creative improvisation to the red carpet. He already owned a necklace by Younger, but on AMA night, he made it his own by repurposing it as a boot charm. “Taboo already had this necklace, and he just told me today that he used it for a boot charm!” Younger said, clearly delighted by the unexpected styling choice. It’s the kind of organic moment that can’t be manufactured; a testament to how much artists genuinely connect with her pieces beyond the transaction.

Taboo (Shoshone, Hopi, and Mexican) was a standout on the night, also wearing a fully custom beaded set by Nimíipuu artist Mikailah Thompson, the designer and artist behind Beadwork by Mikailah. The custom pieces included a pair of fully beaded holsters, a medallion, earrings, and additional turquoise beadwork pieces, all worn on stage as the Black Eyed Peas accepted the award for Best Throwback Song for “Rock That Body.” The ceremony also featured a highly anticipated reunion with former member Fergie, making the night one of the most talked-about AMA moments in recent memory.

It was, in every sense, a full-circle Indigenous fashion moment; two Native jewelry artists, two major entertainers, one very big stage.

Jennifer Younger’s jewelry is available through her website and social channels. Beadwork by Mikailah can be found on Instagram at @beadworkbymikailah.