BTS were among the big winners at the American Music Awards (AMAs) in Las Vegas on Monday (25.05.26).
BTS were among the big winners
The chart-topping K-pop group were making their first appearance at an awards show in four years at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and they won all three awards for which they were nominated, including the coveted Artist of the Year gong.
The group – which consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – also received the awards for Song of the Summer for SWIM, and Best Male K-Pop Artist.
BTS’s most recent album, ARIRANG, was their sixth Korean-language and tenth overall studio album. The record was also BTS’ first release since they went on hiatus for each member to complete their military service.
Elsewhere, KATSEYE also won three awards on the night.
The girl group – which features Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung – won the New Artist of the Year crown, beating off competition from the likes of Alex Warren, Ella Langley, Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean and sombr.
KATSEYE won the awards for Best Music Video for Gnarly and Breakthrough Pop Artist, too.
Meanwhile, The Black Eyed Peas won the award for Best Throwback Song for Rock That Body, the single that featured on The E.N.D., the band’s 2009 album.
Billy Idol received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and he used his acceptance speech to offer encouragement to aspiring artists.
Billy, 70 – who was handed the award by Leon Thomas – said in his speech: “To any kid out there who loves rock and roll or any music of any kind as much as Leon and I do, and if you’re inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, all I can say is pick an instrument. Find out who you are and be it.”
Taylor Swift went into the ceremony with a leading eight nominations. However, Taylor – the top winner in the history of the AMAs – failed to win any awards on the night.
The show in Las Vegas was hosted by Queen Latifah and featured performances from the likes of KATSEYE, New Kids on the Block, Teyana Taylor, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, Teddy Swims, and Twenty One Pilots.
The ceremony featured a host of big-name presenters, too, including Alysa Liu, Busta Rhymes, GloRilla, Hilary Duff, Jason Derulo, John Legend, Lisa Rinna, Ludacris, Mariah the Scientist, Nikki Glaser, and Paula Abdul.
AMA winners list:
Artist of the Year:
BTS
New Artist of the Year:
KATSEYE
Album of the Year:
Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
Song of the Year:
The Singing Voices of Huntrix: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – Golden
Collaboration of the Year:
PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – Stateside
Social Song of the Year:
Tyla – CHANEL
Best Music Video:
KATSEYE – Gnarly
Best Soundtrack:
KPop Demon Hunters
Tour of the Year:
Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
Breakout Tour:
Benson Boone – American Heart World Tour
Breakthrough Album of the Year:
Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun
Best Throwback Song:
Black Eyed Peas – Rock That Body
Best Vocal Performance:
The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – Golden
Song of the Summer:
BTS – SWIM
Best Male Pop Artist:
Justin Bieber
Best Female Pop Artist:
Sabrina Carpenter
Breakthrough Pop Artist:
KATSEYE
Best Pop Song:
The Singing Voices of Huntrix: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – Golden
Best Pop Album:
Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
Best Male Country Artist:
Morgan Wallen
Best Female Country Artist:
Ella Langley
Best Country Duo or Group:
Zac Brown Band
Breakthrough Country Artist:
Sam Barber
Best Country Song:
Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas
Best Country Album:
Megan Moroney – Cloud 9
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist:
Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist:
Cardi B
Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist:
Monaleo
Best Hip-Hop Song:
Cardi B – ErrTime
Best Hip-Hop Album:
Cardi B – AM I THE DRAMA?
Best Male RnB Artist:
Bruno Mars
Best Female RnB Artist:
SZA
Breakthrough RnB Artist:
Leon Thomas
Best RnB Song:
Bruno Mars – I Just Might
Best RnB Album:
Bruno Mars – The Romantic
Best Male Latin Artist:
Bad Bunny
Best Female Latin Artist:
Shakira
Best Latin Duo or Group:
Fuerza Regida
Breakthrough Latin Artist:
Kapo
Best Latin Song:
Bad Bunny – NUEVAYoL
Best Latin Album:
Karol G – Tropicoqueta
Best Rock/Alternative Artist:
Twenty One Pilots
Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist:
sombr
Best Rock/Alternative Song:
sombr – back to friends
Best Rock/Alternative Album:
sombr – I Barely Know Her
Best Dance/Electronic Artist:
David Guetta
Best Male K-Pop Artist:
BTS
Best Female K-Pop Artist:
TWICE
Best Afrobeats Artist:
Tyla
Best Americana/Folk Artist:
Noah Kahan
