K-pop had one of its biggest nights at the American Music Awards on Monday, with BTS winning Artist of the Year and 'Golden' from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters taking Song of the Year. The ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas marked BTS's first major awards show appearance in four years after the group completed mandatory military service in South Korea.
BTS won all three categories in which they were nominated: Artist of the Year, Best Male K-pop Artist, and Song of the Summer for 'Swim'. In the top category, they beat Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga, becoming the first Asian act to win Artist of the Year twice. Their leader RM thanked fans, saying the award meant even more after military service.
'Golden', performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami for the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, surprised many by winning Song of the Year over Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia' and Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem'. The song had already won a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critics' Choice Award earlier this year. Ejae said the win was fuelled by fans, referencing the film's 'Honmoon' barrier.
KPop Demon Hunters also won Best Soundtrack, and 'Golden' took Best Vocal Performance. Twice won Best Female K-pop Artist, their first AMA victory. Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Man's Best Friend, as well as Favourite Female Pop Artist and Favourite Pop Album. Indie musician Sombr won three prizes including Best Rock/Alternative Song for 'Back to Friends'.
