(ATTN: UPDATES with more details in paras 2, 5, 8, 9-12, 15; ADDS photo, byline)
By Shim Sun-ah
K-pop sensation BTS secured the coveted Artist of the Year award at the American Music Awards (AMAs) for 2026. The septet triumphed over global music icons including Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift, marking their first return to the AMAs stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in five years.
This remarkable achievement represents BTS’s second Artist of the Year title, building on their historic 2021 win where they became the first Asian act ever to claim the top prize at the AMAs.
Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were determined by a combination of streaming figures, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue. However, the ultimate winners were decided entirely by dedicated fan voting.
This latest victory comes just two months after the group’s highly anticipated comeback with their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” following a nearly four-year hiatus during which members fulfilled their military service.
Accepting the prestigious award on stage, BTS frontman RM passionately addressed their global fanbase: “ARMYs, we made it once again! Thank you. It’s an honor to have this precious award after everybody has done their military service,” he exclaimed. “Our biggest thanks and gratitude as always goes to the ARMYs all over the world who stood by us for the past 13 years.”
Member Jimin also shared his appreciation, stating, “Thank you for passionately following us on tour and showing so much love in every city.”
Beyond the top honor, BTS also celebrated wins for Song of the Summer with “Swim,” the lead track from their new album “Arirang,” and Best Male K-pop Artist.
Further celebrating K-pop’s global impact, U.S.-based K-pop girl group Katseye garnered three significant honors: New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for their hit song “Gnarly.” The group also captivated the audience with a performance of their latest track, “Pinky Up,” live on stage.
Katseye team leader Sophia expressed her gratitude during their acceptance speech, stating, “We want to give a special shoutout to BTS tonight for inspiring us to represent our culture at a global scale.”
Yoonchae, a Korean member of the multinational group Katseye, shared her joy and determination, adding in English, “We will continue to represent our culture for pride.”
The acclaimed Netflix animation “KPop Demon Hunters” and its original soundtrack “Golden” were also major winners, taking home four awards: Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance, Best Pop Song, and Best Soundtrack.
Ejae and Rei Ami, two members of the Korean American trio who performed “Golden” as the in-film girl group, attended the ceremony to accept the coveted Song of the Year trophy. The third member, Audrey Nuna, was not present.
Ejae, who co-wrote the hit song, acknowledged the fans in her acceptance speech, stating, “Truly, like this movie, this song is fueled by the fans. You guys filled the Honmoon,” while also expressing appreciation to the “KPop Demon Hunters” team.
Rounding out the K-pop accolades, the Best Female K-pop Artist award was presented to TWICE.
