BTS Wins Artist of the Year at 2026 American Music Awards

BTS × About group BTS BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, meaningful lyrics, and strong connection with fans, BTS has become one of the most successful and influential music groups in the world. Their music explores themes such as youth, self-discovery, mental health, love, and personal growth, helping them build a dedicated global fanbase known as ARMY. Since their debut, BTS has achieved record-breaking success across the global music industry with hit songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “Spring Day,” “Boy With Luv,” and “Fake Love.” The group has earned numerous awards, topped charts in multiple countries, sold millions of albums, and helped introduce K-pop to a broader international audience. Through their artistry, cultural Tap again to view profile → Close added another major milestone to their legendary career after winning Artist of the Year at the 2026 American Music Awards.

The ceremony was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where all seven members — RM × Artist bio RM Real name: Kim Nam-joonPosition: Leader, Main RapperNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-09-12Birthplace: Ilsan-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Leader and main rapper of BTS. RM is a thoughtful, introspective leader known for calm guidance, honesty, and a strong sense of responsibility for BTS’s music and message. Tap again to view profile → Close , Jin × Artist bio Jin Real name: Kim Seok-jinPosition: Sub Vocalist, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1992-12-04Birthplace: Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Vocalist and visual of BTS. Jin is playful and outgoing, famous for his dad jokes and “Worldwide Handsome” image, but also shows a very caring, big-brother side toward younger members. Tap again to view profile → Close , SUGA × Artist bio Suga Real name: Min Yoon-giPosition: Lead Rapper, ProducerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1993-03-09Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea Rapper and producer of BTS. Suga appears reserved and calm but has sharp wit and a quietly caring personality. He expresses himself deeply through lyrics and production. Tap again to view profile → Close , j-hope × Artist bio J-Hope Real name: Jung Ho-seokPosition: Main Dancer, Rapper, Sub VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-02-18Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea Main dancer and rapper of BTS. J-Hope is the bright mood maker of BTS, full of energy and encouragement. He takes dance and performance very seriously while keeping members’ spirits up. Tap again to view profile → Close , Jimin × Artist bio Jimin Real name: Park Ji-minPosition: Main Dancer, Lead VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1995-10-13Birthplace: Busan, South Korea Main dancer and lead vocalist of BTS. Jimin is gentle, polite, and emotionally sensitive. He is known for his warm heart, thoughtful gestures, and graceful stage presence. Tap again to view profile → Close , V × Artist bio V Real name: Kim Tae-hyungPosition: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, VisualNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1995-12-30Birthplace: Daegu, raised in Geochang, South Korea Vocalist and visual of BTS. V has a unique, artistic personality, mixing playful goofiness with a deep, introspective side and strong interest in art, film, and vintage aesthetics. Tap again to view profile → Close , and Jung Kook — were in attendance to accept the award. BTS won against a highly competitive lineup that included Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter.

This marks BTS’s second Artist of the Year win at the American Music Awards. Their first win came in 2021, when they made history as the first Asian act to receive the fan-voted grand prize.

Earlier in the night, BTS also won Song of the Summer for “SWIM,” a track from their recently released full-length album ARIRANG.

https://x.com/AMAs/status/2059106488199880749?s=20

During their acceptance speech, the members thanked ARMY, their global fandom, for continuing to support them through every stage of their journey. RM expressed gratitude for receiving the award again after the members completed their military service, while j-hope thanked fans for embracing the group’s new album. Jimin, Jin, and Jung Kook also shared love and appreciation for fans who have supported them on tour.

The win comes during a major comeback year for BTS. The group returned in March with ARIRANG, their fifth studio album, following the completion of their military service. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top Album Sales charts, holding the top position for three consecutive weeks.

BTS is currently in the middle of their massive ARIRANG World Tour, which includes 82 shows across 34 cities. The group recently completed two sold-out nights at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and is scheduled to continue with additional Las Vegas shows before heading back to South Korea for concerts in Busan.

The group is also expected to continue their tour through the United Kingdom and Europe before returning to the United States later this year.

BTS first won an American Music Award in 2018 for Top Social Artist. Since then, they have continued building one of the most successful global careers in music, earning multiple awards across categories such as Favorite Pop Duo or Group, Favorite K-pop Artist, Favorite Pop Song, and Tour of the Year.

With their latest Artist of the Year win, BTS once again proves their influence is not slowing down. For ARMY, the moment is more than another trophy — it is a celebration of BTS’s return, their growth, and their continued place at the center of global pop music.