BTS Makes History Again With Artist of the Year Win at the 2026 American Music Awards

BTS once again proved its global dominance after making history at the American Music Awards 2026 by winning the prestigious “Artist of the Year” award.

The ceremony took place on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with BTS attending the event in person for the first time in nearly five years.

This marks BTS’ second “Artist of the Year” victory following their groundbreaking first win in 2021, making them the first Korean act ever to win the AMA grand prize multiple times.

You voted and ARTIST OF THE YEAR at the #AMAs is... @bts_bighit! 🌟👏 pic.twitter.com/qYK7giKf0S

— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026

This year, BTS competed against some of the biggest names in global music, including:

• Bad Bunny

• Bruno Mars

• Taylor Swift

• Lady Gaga

making their victory even more remarkable.

In addition to the grand prize, BTS received nominations in three categories overall:

• Best Male K-Pop Artist

• Song of the Summer

• Artist of the Year

The group also won the “Song of the Summer” award with their track “SWIM.”

According to the AMAs, nominees were selected based on Billboard and Luminate data collected between March 21, 2025 and March 26, 2026.

The evaluation criteria included:

• Streaming numbers

• Album sales

• Digital song sales

• Radio airplay

• Concert tour revenue

With their latest achievements, BTS has now accumulated a total of 12 AMA trophies through both group and solo activities.

BTS first began making history at the AMAs in 2018 by winning “Favorite Social Artist,” a category they continued to dominate through 2020.

In 2019, the group also received the “Tour of the Year” award.

Beginning with “Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock” in 2019, BTS went on to win the category for four consecutive years through 2022, setting a record for the most victories in that category.

In 2021, the group achieved a historic triple crown by winning:

• Artist of the Year

• Favorite Duo or Group

• Favorite Pop Song

BTS also became the inaugural winner of “Favorite K-Pop Artist” in 2022.

Meanwhile, RM later won the same category as a solo artist in 2025.

Following the announcement, ARMY fans worldwide flooded social media with celebratory messages, with many saying BTS continues to prove why they remain one of the most influential music acts in the world today.

Source : soompi