The 2026 American Music Awards, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marked a historic night for K-pop as BTS claimed Artist of the Year for the second time, making them the first Asian act to achieve this feat. The group last won the category in 2021, prior to their hiatus for mandatory military service in South Korea.
BTS Triumphant Return
BTS swept all three categories they were nominated in: Artist of the Year, Best Male K-pop Artist, and Song of the Summer for 'Swim'. They outperformed heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga. The band, consisting of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, debuted in 2013 and has become a global phenomenon with albums such as Love Yourself: Tear (2018), Map of the Soul: 7 (2020), and BE (2020). Their return this year with the album Arirang and a world tour, including four sold-out shows at Allegiant Stadium, has been met with immense fan enthusiasm.
Accepting the award, BTS leader RM expressed gratitude: 'We made it once again! Our biggest thanks goes to the armies all over the world. You have stood by us for the past 13 years. It means even more to receive such a big award again after completing military service. Since this award was made by fans’ votes, I am even more grateful.' The group also opened the AMAs with a pre-recorded performance of 'Hooligan' from their Las Vegas tour stop.
'Golden' Shines Bright
One of the night's biggest surprises was 'Golden' from the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters winning Song of the Year. The track, performed by Korean American artists Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, beat Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia' and other contenders. Co-written by Ejae, 'Golden' has been a breakout success, having already won a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critics' Choice Award earlier this year.
Ejae dedicated the award to fans, stating, 'This movie, this song is fuelled by the fans. You guys truly sealed the Honmoon,' referencing the film's mystical barrier. Rei Ami thanked fans and family, noting that the film 'gave me a year that changed my life.' Nuna was absent from the ceremony.
KPop Demon Hunters also won Best Soundtrack, and 'Golden' took Best Vocal Performance. Released in June 2025, the film became one of Netflix's biggest hits, with 'Golden' spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—the first K-pop song led by female vocalists to top the chart. A sequel is currently in production.
Other Major Winners
Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend, along with Favourite Female Pop Artist and Favourite Pop Album. Indie musician Sombr took three prizes, including Best Rock/Alternative Song for 'Back to Friends'. Girl group Katseye also won three awards: New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for 'Gnarly'.
The 2026 AMAs underscored K-pop's growing influence on the global music stage, with BTS and KPop Demon Hunters leading the charge.
