ARMYs, we made it!
K-pop supergroup BTS won big at the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday (May 25) after making a triumphant return to the awards ceremony after four years.
The seven-member group – RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook – received deafening cheers from fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as they celebrated a massive comeback following their military hiatus.
After an electrifying performance, BTS ultimately won Artist of the Year, Swim Song of the Summer, and Best K-Pop Male Artist.
BTS AMA 2026 performances
Even though the group didn’t walk the red carpet, they still opened the evening in dramatic fashion with a pre-recorded performance of Hooligan from their new album ARIRANG filmed during their current world tour.
The performance instantly energized the arena and reminded fans why BTS remains one of the most dominant live music acts.
What awards did BTS win at the 2026 AMAs?
BTS had one of the biggest nights of the ceremony, winning in all three categories in which they were nominated. The group won Artist of the Year for the first time since 2021 and also won Song of the Summer for Swim and Best Male K-Pop Artist.
In awarding Artist of the Year, presented by Busta Rhymes, RM thanked fans for supporting the band throughout their 13-year career. “As the legendary Busta Rhymes said, this is a fan-voted award, so our biggest thanks and gratitude goes to ARMYs everywhere,” he said. “You have stood by us over the past 13 years – thank you very much. »
J-Hope added: “Wow. We have been overwhelmed by the reaction to this album.”
For the fan-voted honor, the group beat out a field of high-profile competitors including Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen and Sabrina Carpenter.
SZA fangirls on BTS
One of the sweetest moments of the evening came when BTS presented SZA with the award for Top Female R&B Artist.
Clearly stunned, SZA interrupted her acceptance speech to gush over the group. “It’s so nice to meet you officially, in person…I had to take this moment to…make this the moment,” she told members before continuing her speech.
