K-pop group BTS won three awards at the BTS AMAs 2026 return on Monday, taking Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer and Best Male K-Pop Artist.
The seven-member group RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook received loud cheers at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after returning to the American Music Awards following a four-year gap.
BTS skipped the red carpet but opened the ceremony with a pre-recorded performance of “Hooligan” from their new album “ARIRANG.” The performance was filmed during the group’s ongoing world tour.
The group won in all three categories in which they were nominated. “Swim” won Song of the Summer, while BTS also claimed Best Male K-Pop Artist.
2026 AMAs Artist of the YEAR WINNER #BTS 😭😭😭 🏆🏆🥳🥳 (1) pic.twitter.com/JuOmzBh6Oe
— 김무원 (@jooniefighting) May 26, 2026
RM accepted Artist of the Year after Busta Rhymes presented the award. He thanked ARMY for supporting the group through 13 years, saying the fan-voted win belonged to fans around the world.
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J-Hope said the group had been overwhelmed by the response to the album. BTS beat nominees including Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen and Sabrina Carpenter.
BTS also presented SZA with Best Female R&B Artist. SZA paused her speech to say it was “so nice” to meet the group in person.