BTS accepts the award for artist of the year at the American Music Awards on May 25, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP/Yonhap)
K-pop supernova BTS took home three titles at the American Music Awards, including the coveted artist of the year. Monday’s awards ceremony was a K-pop feast as the theme song “Golden” from the Netflix animated blockbuster “KPop Demon Hunters” claimed four trophies, including song of the year. The international K-pop girl group Katseye won three awards, including new artist of the year.At the 52nd AMAs at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, BTS was named artist of the year, beating out global pop superstars Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. The boy band also won song of the summer for “Swim” and best male K-pop artist.This marks the second time BTS has been named artist of the year, having claimed the title for the first time in 2021 after the release of “Butter.” Just two months after releasing its fifth studio album “Arirang” in March following the end of their hiatus as members completed their mandatory military service, the group once again claimed the top honor at a major US pop music awards show.“ARMYs, we made it once again,” BTS leader RM said, shouting out the group’s fanbase. “Thank you, it’s an honor to have this precious award once again after everybody’s done their military service.”Jimin in English thanked BTS fans following the group on its tour, and then said in Korean, “To all ARMYs who always support and love us, thank you and I love you.”BTS is in the middle of its world tour to mark the release of “Arirang.” Before the ceremony, it wowed the crowd with a pre-recorded performance of “Hooligan” that the group showcased at the Las Vegas leg of their tour.
