BTS scores a hat-trick at the AMAs.
The Hollywood Reporter reported on May 26, 2026, that the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas had been transformed into a private concert for the BTS fan community. Upon their return after a long hiatus, the K-pop boys won in all three major categories they were nominated for: Artist of the Year, Favorite K-pop Male Artist, and Summer Song (with their hit song Swim ).
In addition, BTS opened the 2026 AMAs with a pre-recorded performance from their ARIRANG world tour concert in Las Vegas the night before.
The Hollywood Reporter described the atmosphere at the awards ceremony as incredibly boisterous: "Everyone was going crazy. Audience members immediately jumped up from their seats and held up their phones. Even during commercial breaks, the crowd was continuously singing BTS songs in unison. I can't remember the last time I saw such an incredible atmosphere at an awards ceremony."
BTS wins Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards for the second time.
PHOTO: REUTERS
BTS impressively beat out a host of strong contenders in the Artist of the Year category, including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga. Upon accepting the award, leader RM, speaking on behalf of BTS, shared: "While working on this album, we faced immense pressure and constantly strived to find the kind of music that best reflects who we are right now. We will continue to challenge ourselves and move forward."
Upon their comeback in March with their fifth studio album, Arirang, BTS immediately set a record by topping the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks – an unprecedented achievement for a K-pop artist.
AMAs 2026: A nostalgic musical feast
The 2026 AMAs, hosted by artist Queen Latifah, also saw major wins for other big names.
The theme song "Golden" from the hit K-pop animated series Demon Hunters on Netflix brilliantly won the Song of the Year award. Performed by the Korean-American trio Lee Jae (EJAE), Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, this energetic song beat out nine formidable competitors, including Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia," to claim the win. In total, the trio took home three prestigious AMAs awards: Song of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best Vocal Performance.
The show also saw victories for young female artists. The winner of the New Artist of the Year award went to global girl group KATSEYE for their hit song " Pinky Up ." Meanwhile, pop star Sabrina Carpenter took home the Best Pop Album award. For Man's Best Friend.
Notably, despite leading with 8 initial nominations, "pop queen" Taylor Swift went home empty-handed in all categories and was absent from the event.
The trio Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami were moved to tears as they received the Song of the Year award for their song "Golden" (above). Meanwhile, global girl group KATSEYE was named the winner in the New Artist of the Year category.
PHOTO: REUTERS
In the rock category, 20-year-old singer Sombr won a double award for Best Rock/Alternative Song (his hit " Back to Friends ") and Best Rock/Alternative Album (" I Barely Know Her "). Standing on stage, he said emotionally, "I wrote this song when I was 19, during a time when I was depressed and suffering alone in my bedroom. So, to be here today, I honestly never expected such a miracle."
Legendary pop group Pussycat Dolls make a glamorous comeback on stage (above) and punk rock icon Billy Idol receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 AMAs.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The 2026 AMAs also offered a fresh and unique atmosphere, blending nostalgic and modern values. The awards stage witnessed an emotional reunion of the legendary Black Eyed Peas, with a surprise appearance by singer Fergie after many years away from the group, accepting the award for Best Throwback Song for her rock hit "That Body ." Additionally, there was the return of the Pussycat Dolls and a performance accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award. The music of punk rock icon Billy Idol brought back an incredibly authentic 1980s-1990s atmosphere.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bts-can-quet-american-music-awards-185260526164457615.htm
![[Photo] General Secretary and President To Lam presides over the meeting to approve the draft report on the results of the second inspection by the Politburo of the Standing Committee of the Hanoi City Party Committee.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/26/1779789811432_a2-bnd-4430-9620-jpg.webp)
Comment (0)