K-pop group BTS clinch artist of the year at 2026 American Music Awards

The South Korean boy band Bangtan Sonyeondan, popularly known as BTS, won the prestigious Artist of the Year award at the 52nd annual American Music Awards.

The touching and symbolic moment took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The global icons, celebrated for blending Korean pop with deep roots in old-school hip-hop and R&B, also secured the Song of the Summer award for their hit track "SWIM".

Released on March 20th of this year, the chart-topping song quickly exploded in popularity, surpassing 100 million views.

The emotional band members could not hide their gratitude to their massive fan base, affectionately known as the ARMY.

"Our biggest thanks and gratitude go to all the ARMY all over the world," the band said during their acceptance speech.

Fans quickly flooded social media to celebrate the historic milestone.

On a post by Variety, one supporter commented, "Proud of our guys BTS paved the way," while another added, "This album was the best one yet!! Can't wait for the future albums they make."

BTS is a record-breaking, seven-member group that has not only entertained global audiences but has also inspired countless upcoming artists.

When they officially debuted on June 13, 2013, they came from a small, nearly bankrupt agency that lacked the financial backing and media connections of the traditional "Big Three" K-pop powerhouses.

The band later gained mainstream traction entirely through the raw intensity of their performances, aggressive social media presence, and unfiltered lyrics targeting intense societal pressures.

They broke major international barriers when their hit single "DNA" made them the first K-pop group to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The American Music Awards stands as one of the three major annual music award shows in the United States, alongside the Grammy Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.

Universally celebrated as the largest fan-voted awards show globally, the AMAs places the power of selecting winners entirely into the hands of the public, honouring the most commercially successful and culturally impactful artists.

Staged annually to capture the true cultural zeitgeist and democratise the music industry, the 52nd ceremony hosted an array of music legends.

The star-studded lineup included Teyana Taylor, Queen Latifah, Karol G, and Jason Derulo, all sharing the stage to honour unwavering efforts in the world of entertainment.