2 minute readrundown
K-pop band BTS returned to the American Music Awards for the first time in four years. He performed his single “Hooligan” from his 2026 album “ARIRANG” and was nominated for Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer, and Best Male K-Pop Artist.
On Monday, K-pop band BTS made a special appearance at the 52nd American Music Awards, four years after the annual ceremony. They performed the song “Hooligan” from their album “ARIRANG” which topped the charts in 2026.
This year, they were nominated in three categories: Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer for “Swim,” and Best Male K-Pop Artist. In the end, they won Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for their Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Swim.” The band debuted in the United States at the 2017 American Music Awards as the first Korean group to perform on the show, where they sang “DNA.” According to Billboard magazine, the group won Artist of the Year in 2021 and Best K-Pop Artist in 2022.
BTS competed against Taylor Swift for the 2026 Artist of the Year award. The 2021 win ended Swift’s three-year streak, but she won again the following year. Ahead of the big moment, the group shared their thoughts on the support they’ve received from fans.
“All we dreamed of was just making music,” band member RM said at the time. “And that’s what we continue to do. In this sense, our lives haven’t changed all that much from before. But the love and support we’ve received over the years has truly exceeded our wildest dreams, and we truly can’t believe that our music and performances have had such a positive impact and received so much love from so many people around the world.”
“It’s an honor to share K-Pop and our culture with the world,” Suga added. “We feel a strong sense of responsibility and want to continue to share good music and performances that people enjoy and remember.”
In his acceptance speech on Monday night, RM thanked the fans who have supported the group over the years. “Dear ARMYs, we have succeeded once again. Thank you. We are honored to receive this valuable award.” “We’ll do it again after everyone finishes their military service.”
He continued, “As the legendary Busta Rhymes said, this is a fan-voted award, so we send our deepest gratitude and appreciation to ARMYs around the world. You have supported us for the past 13 years. Thank you so much.”
