BTS Shines at the 2026 American Music Awards with Multiple Wins

The American Music Awards 2026 took place on Memorial Day at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where BTS stood out as one of the evening's top winners, clinching the prestigious Artist of the Year award. The renowned K-pop sensation also secured the title of Song of the Summer for their hit Swim, the lead track from their much-anticipated album ARIRANG, and kicked off the event with a dynamic performance of Hooligan. Following the broadcast, BTS was further honored as Best Male K-pop Artist.

Sabrina Carpenter was another highlight of the night, with her album Man's Best Friend winning both Album of the Year and Best Pop Album. She also earned the title of Best Female Pop Artist.

The award for Song of the Year was awarded to Golden, performed by the talented trio behind KPop Demon Hunters — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI. This track also garnered Best Pop Song and Best Vocal Performance accolades, while KPop Demon Hunters took home the Best Soundtrack award, as reported by Billboard. Singer-songwriter Sombr had a remarkable evening, winning Best Rock/Alternative Song for "back to friends" and Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her. He made his AMAs performance debut with Homewrecker. Despite leading the nominations with eight, Taylor Swift left empty-handed but remains the most awarded artist in AMAs history with a total of 40 trophies.

The 52nd edition of the awards was hosted by Queen Latifah. Other notable winners included Justin Bieber, who was named Best Male Pop Artist, and KATSEYE, who won New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for Gnarly, and Breakthrough Pop Artist. In the country music categories, Morgan Wallen was awarded Best Male Country Artist, while Ella Langley took home Best Female Country Artist and Best Country Song for Choosin' Texas. Megan Moroney won Best Country Album for Cloud 9.

Cardi B excelled in the hip-hop categories, winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Best Hip-Hop Song for ErrTime, and Best Hip-Hop Album for AM I THE DRAMA?. Kendrick Lamar was recognized as Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. In the R&B categories, Bruno Mars won Best Male R&B Artist, Best R&B Song for I Just Might, and Best R&B Album for The Romantic.

Latin music accolades were led by Bad Bunny, who won Best Male Latin Artist and Best Latin Song for NUEVAYoL. KAROL G was awarded Best Latin Album for Tropicoqueta, while Shakira won Best Female Latin Artist and Tour of the Year for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. In the rock and alternative categories, Twenty One Pilots was named Best Rock/Alternative Artist, and David Guetta won Best Dance/Electronic Artist.

In K-pop, TWICE was recognized as Best Female K-pop Artist, while BTS took home the male category award. Tyla won Social Song of the Year for "CHANEL" and Best Afrobeats Artist, while Noah Kahan received the inaugural Best Americana/Folk Artist award, according to Billboard.