BTS led the biggest moments at the 2026 American Music Awards after winning Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer for “Swim” and Best Male K-pop Artist during the ceremony in Las Vegas.
Image: BTS
The American Music Awards returned on Memorial Day Monday for a second straight year, bringing together some of the biggest names in music for a night filled with performances, fan celebrations and major wins.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, the ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The night belonged to BTS, who claimed Artist of the Year in one of the evening’s biggest fan-voted categories. The award marked the group’s second victory in the category following their first win in 2021.
Despite the group’s hiatus linked to military service commitments, BTS continued to dominate globally. They also won Song of the Summer for “Swim” and Best Male K-pop Artist.
Accepting the top award, BTS leader RM thanked fans around the world for their support over the years.
“ARMY! We made it once again! It’s an honour to have this precious award once again after everybody has done their military service,” he said.
He continued: “Our biggest thanks and gratitude, as always, go to the Armies all over the world who stood by us for the past 13 years. Thank you so much.”
RM also reflected on the group’s latest music and its response.
“We have been overwhelmed by the reaction to this album. Thank you for embracing “Arirang" in every single song on this album,” he added.
He closed the speech by thanking fans who attended their tour stops across the world.
“And to the Armies who support and love us, thank you so much.”
Another stand-out act of the night was KATSEYE, who secured three major awards, including New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for “Gnarly” and Breakthrough Pop Artist.
KATSEYE beat strong competition from artists including Sombr, Olivia Dean, Ella Langley, Leon Thomas and Alex Warren.
During their acceptance speech, the group thanked their fans, known as the EYEKONS, as well as mentors including Bang Si-hyuk and John Janick.
Member Sophia also paid tribute to BTS for inspiring the group to proudly represent their cultures on a global stage. The group delivered a multilingual speech featuring English, Tagalog, Tamil, Spanish and Korean.
Sombr also emerged as one of the evening’s big winners. The singer won Best Rock Alternative Song for “Back to Friends”, Best Rock Alternative Album for “I Barely Know Her” and Breakthrough Rock Alternative Artist.
In an emotional speech, Sombr thanked fans, family and the American Music Awards for believing in him.
“Wow, this is crazy. Thank you so much. First of all, I want to thank you guys, the fans. You guys are the ones that got me this,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be here without you. I love my fans.”
He also encouraged young artists to chase their dreams.
“For anyone who wants to pursue anything or do music or whatever feels impossible, it’s so not impossible because two years ago I was sitting in my living room watching this show wanting nothing more than to be on this stage. And now I’m here.”
Sombr revealed that “Back to Friends” was created during a difficult chapter in his life.
“I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom and I produced it by myself. So being here is something I never would have expected,” he shared.
The animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters” also had a strong night. “Golden”, performed by HUNTR/X singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, won Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance and Best Pop Song.
The “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack also secured Best Soundtrack.
Sabrina Carpenter received Album of the Year for “Man’s Best Friend” while also winning Best Female Pop Artist and Best Pop Album.
Other notable winners included Shakira, who won Best Female Latin Artist and Tour of the Year, Kendrick Lamar for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, SZA for Best Female R&B Artist and Justin Bieber for Best Male Pop Artist.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift entered the awards with eight nominations but did not win any trophies on the night.
Olivia Dean, Lady Gaga and Alex Warren also left the ceremony empty-handed despite receiving multiple nominations.