BTS wins second ‘Artist of the Year’ grand prize at 2026 AMAs

BTS once again proved its global dominance by winning the grand prize at the American Music Awards, one of the three major music award shows in the United States.

The group attended the 2026 AMAs held on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and took home the top honor, Artist of the Year.

This marks BTS’ second “Artist of the Year” victory following its historic first win in 2021, making the group the first Korean act to claim the AMA grand prize multiple times. The group also made its first in-person AMA appearance in approximately five years.

At this year’s ceremony, BTS competed against global superstars including Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga in the category.

In addition to the grand prize, BTS was nominated in three categories overall, including “Best Male K-Pop Artist” and “Song of the Summer.” The group also won the “Song of the Summer” trophy with "SWIM".

According to the AMAs, nominees were selected based on Billboard and Luminate data collected between March 21, 2025 and March 26, 2026. Metrics included streaming figures, album and digital song sales, radio airplay and tour revenue.

BTS has now collected a total of 12 AMA trophies across group and solo activities. The group first won “Favorite Social Artist” in 2018 and continued its winning streak in the category through 2020. In 2019, BTS also received the “Tour of the Year” award.

Beginning with “Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock” in 2019, BTS went on to dominate the category for four consecutive years through 2022, setting the record for the most wins in the category. In 2021, the group achieved a triple crown by winning “Artist of the Year,” “Favorite Duo or Group,” and “Favorite Pop Song.”

The group also became the inaugural winner of “Favorite K-Pop Artist” in 2022, while RM won the same category as a solo artist in 2025.