Global K-pop phenomenon BTS has secured three prestigious nominations at the 2026 American Music Awards, including a coveted spot for Artist of the Year.
The globally acclaimed South Korean boy band joins an elite list of ten nominees for the Artist of the Year award. Other prominent international artists vying for this top honor include Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga, as revealed by organizers on Tuesday.
This marks a significant return for BTS, who made history in 2021 as the first Korean act to claim the top honor. Their latest nomination has ignited fervent anticipation among fans and critics alike for the group to potentially clinch the prestigious award once more.
The septet also received nominations in two additional highly competitive categories: Best Male K-pop Artist and Song of the Summer for their track “Swim.”
Beyond BTS, Hybe’s US-based girl group Katseye also garnered three nominations at the AMAs. Furthermore, the soundtrack for the highly anticipated Netflix global animation sensation, “Kpop Demon Hunters,” secured two nods.
Katseye is in contention for New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for their hit single “Gnarly.” The “Kpop Demon Hunters” film soundtrack will vie for Best Soundtrack and Best Song for the memorable track “Golden.”
In the Best Male K-pop Artist category, BTS is joined by fellow nominees Ateez, Enhypen, and Stray Kids, highlighting the genre’s growing global presence.
The fiercely contested Best Female K-pop Artist category features top acts such as aespa, BLACKPINK, ILLIT, Le Sserafim, and TWICE.
Music fans can tune in to watch the 2026 American Music Awards live on CBS and stream it on Paramount+ from the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25. (Yonhap)
