BTS wins big at 2026 American Music Awards
The K-pop group, and Asian diasporic artists KATSEYE, Bruno Mars, and the singing voices of HUNTR/X all scored triple wins
BTS at the 2026 American Music Awards
Dick Clark Productions
Words by Daniel Anderson
The 2026 American Music Awards brought a strong showing for Asian diasporic artists and Asian-led acts at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday night, with BTS leading the way as some of the evening’s biggest winners.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, the ceremony saw BTS take home three awards, including the night’s top honor, Artist of the Year. The group also won Song of the Summer for “SWIM” and Best Male K-Pop Artist, beating fellow nominees ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, Stray Kids and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. BTS additionally delivered a performance of “Hooligan,” which had been pre-recorded off-site from their Las Vegas tour stop, though the group attended the ceremony in person.
Another major breakthrough came from KATSEYE, who swept all three of their nominations. The group won New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for “Gnarly.” The group also took the stage during the broadcast to perform their newest track “Pinky Up.”
The fictional girl group HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters also emerged as one of the night’s standout winners. The singing voices behind the group—EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami—won Song of the Year for “Golden.” EJAE and Ami accepted the award in Las Vegas. Following the main ceremony, “Golden” was also named Best Pop Song and Best Vocal Performance, while KPop Demon Hunters won Best Soundtrack. Other nominees in the soundtrack category included F1 The Album, Hazbin Hotel: Season Two, Wicked: For Good and Charli XCX for Wuthering Heights.
Bruno Mars also had triple wins. The singer took home Best Male R&B Artist, Best R&B Song for “I Just Might” and Best R&B Album for The Romantic. Mars was also nominated for Artist of the Year.
TWICE won Best Female K-Pop Artist. Other nominees included aespa, BLACKPINK, ILLIT and Le Sserafim.
South African star Tyla, who is also Indian and Indo-Mauritian, won two awards, claiming Best Afrobeats Artist and Social Song of the Year for “CHANEL.” The track was also nominated for Best Music Video, while Tyla received an additional nomination for Best Female R&B Artist.
Elsewhere, JENNIE and Tame Impala earned a nomination in the Song of the Summer category for “Dracula.” Kehlani also received multiple nominations, including Best R&B Song for “Folded,” Best Female R&B Artist and Song of the Year.
Published on May 26, 2026
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.