BTS superiority.
The K-pop group took the 2026 American Music Awards by storm on Monday night, winning all three awards for which they were nominated, including the night’s top award, Artist of the Year.
They also won Best Male K-Pop Artist and Best Summer Song for their lead single “Swim” from their new album “Arirang.”
“Dear soldiers, we’ve done it again!” band leader RM said in his acceptance speech for the group’s Artist of the Year award.
“I am honored to receive this valuable award,” he continued. “Our greatest gratitude and appreciation, as always, goes to the Armed Forces around the world who have supported us over the past 13 years. Thank you so much.”
RM, 31, also mentioned that the group had completed their military service and had taken a four-year hiatus from music activities as a result.
Band member J-Hope added, “We have received a great response to this album.Honestly, thank you for accepting “Arirang” and all the songs on this album, and for contributing to our inclusion in the charts.We are very grateful.”
BTS kicked off the award show with a pre-recorded performance of the song “Hooligan” from their concert in Las Vegas the night before.
The group also presented SZA with the award for Best Female R&B Artist.
Two more K-pop groups also won major awards on Monday night, with Huntr/x, the voice of “K-Pop Demon Hunter,” winning song of the year, best vocal performance, best pop song and best soundtrack.
Meanwhile, Katseye won awards for New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video, and Breakthrough Pop Artist.
Additionally, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Somber and Sabrina Carpenter each claimed three wins.
Taylor Swift had the most nominations heading into the night with eight. She lost in every category.
The show, hosted by Queen Latifah, featured Karol G receiving the International Outstanding Artist Award, Billy Idol receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Darius Rucker receiving the Veteran’s Award.
BTS, which consists of RM, J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Suga, V, and Jung Kook, announced that they will be on hiatus in June 2022 to complete their compulsory military service in South Korea.
Arirang, the group’s first studio album since 2020’s Be, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 when it was released in March.
In the same month, the group released the Netflix documentary “BTS: The Return,” in which they candidly revealed the grueling working hours during the production of “Arirang.”
Jungkook compared the band members to factory workers, while RM said it felt like they were “committing a crime” when they raised their voices to ask for a break.
