BTS were crowned Artist of the Year at the 2026 American Music Awards, marking a major return for the global K-pop group during their first awards show appearance in four years.
The ceremony took place in Las Vegas and saw BTS overcome competition from major international artists including Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.
Members RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook attended the ceremony together following the completion of their military service commitments.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the appearance marked the group’s first major awards ceremony appearance since 2022.
BTS thank fans after major AMAs victory
During the acceptance speech, RM thanked fans for their support and reflected on the group’s return.
“Thank you. It’s an honour to have this precious award once again after everybody’s done their military service.”
J-hope also addressed the audience while celebrating the group’s comeback.
“We have been overwhelmed by the reaction from the album. Thank you for embracing us on every single song on the album.”
The win adds another major international award to BTS’ already extensive career achievements, reinforcing the group’s global influence across pop music, streaming and live touring.
Sabrina Carpenter, Katseye and Shakira among major winners
Elsewhere during the ceremony, Katseye won New Artist of the Year and also picked up Best Music Video for Gnarly.
Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year and Best Pop Album for Man’s Best Friend, while Huntr/X secured Song of the Year and Best Pop Song with Golden.
Shakira won Tour of the Year for the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, while Justin Bieber won Best Male Pop Artist.
Other winners included Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Bruno Mars, SZA, David Guetta and Twenty One Pilots.
Taylor Swift leaves empty-handed despite eight nominations
Despite entering the night with eight nominations, Taylor Swift did not win any awards during the ceremony.
Swift remains the most-awarded artist in American Music Awards history with 40 career AMA wins. The singer confirmed shortly before the event that she would not be attending the ceremony.
The 52nd American Music Awards were hosted by Queen Latifah and also featured performances from Billy Idol, Karol G, Hootie & the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor and Sombr.
Key winners at the 2026 American Music Awards
- 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: Huntr/X, Golden
- Collaboration of the Year: PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson, Stateside
- Best Music Video: Katseye, Gnarly
- Tour of the Year: Shakira, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
- Best Male Pop Artist: Justin Bieber
- Best Female Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B
- Best Rock/Alternative Artist: Twenty One Pilots
- Best Male K-Pop Artist: BTS
- Best Female K-Pop Artist: Twice
