K-pop sensation BTS triumphed at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs), clinching the coveted Artist of the Year award. Returning to the AMAs stage after a five-year hiatus, the septet outperformed global music icons like Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift to secure this prestigious recognition.
This significant win marks BTS’s second Artist of the Year title, echoing their groundbreaking achievement in 2021 when they made history as the first Asian act to claim the AMAs’ top prize.
Nominees for the 2026 American Music Awards were selected based on comprehensive metrics including streaming figures, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue. However, the ultimate winners, including BTS, were decided solely by dedicated fan voting.
BTS accepts the Artist of the Year during the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026, in this Reuters’ photo. (PHOTO)
Accepting the esteemed Artist of the Year award, BTS frontman RM passionately declared from the stage, “ARMYs, we made it once again!” He continued, expressing profound gratitude, “Thank you. It’s an honor to have this precious award after everybody has done their military service.” RM concluded by acknowledging their global fanbase: “Our biggest thanks and gratitude as always goes to the ARMYs all over the world who stood by us for the past 13 years.”
Fellow member Jimin also addressed the crowd, expressing, “Thank you for passionately following us on tour and showing so much love in every city.” He then further emphasized his gratitude to their dedicated fanbase, concluding in Korean with words of thanks and love for ARMYs.
Beyond the top honor, BTS also garnered the Song of the Summer award for “Swim,” the captivating lead track from their highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Arirang.” This additional accolade further solidified their dominant presence at the glamorous AMAs ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Rising stars Katseye, a U.S.-based K-pop girl group, made a significant impact by winning the prestigious New Artist of the Year award. They further captivated the audience with a dynamic performance of their latest hit single, “Pinky Up,” on the AMAs stage.
The popular Netflix animated feature, “KPop Demon Hunters,” alongside its acclaimed original soundtrack, “Golden,” also celebrated a remarkable evening, securing three significant awards: Best Soundtrack, Song of the Year, and Best Vocal Performance.
Ejae and Rei Ami, two members of the talented Korean American trio behind “Golden” — featured as the in-film girl group — were present at the ceremony to accept the coveted Song of the Year trophy. Notably, the third member, Audrey Nuna, was unable to attend.
During her acceptance speech, Ejae, who also co-wrote the impactful song, expressed profound gratitude to both the dedicated fanbase and the “KPop Demon Hunters” team. She emotionally shared, “Truly, like this movie, this song is fueled by the fans. You guys filled the Honmoon.”
