BTS Wins 2026 American Music Award’s Artist Of The Year

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentBTS Wins 2026 American Music Award’s Artist Of The YearByLaura Sirikul,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Laura Sirikul is a L.A.-based reporter covering film/TV and music.Follow AuthorMay 25, 2026, 10:56pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) Jungkook, V, Jin, RM, Suga, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS speak onstage during the 52nd American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Getty ImagesGlobal superstars BTS have just won the American Music Awards’ Artist of the Year at this year’s event held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The group beat out popular artists Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter for Artist of the Year. This marks the second time the group has won the grand prize award, which they received in 2021. Their 2021 win marked the first time an Asian act had won the fan-voted awards show.Earlier in the show tonight, they won Song of the Summer for their track, “SWIM,” from their recently released full-studio album, ARIRANG.BTS members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook were all in attendance to receive the award, as they just completed the second of their four-night sold-out concert at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.​The group thanked ARMY, the name for the fandom. During their speech, RM told the cheering audience, “Thank you. It’s an honor to have this precious award once again after everybody’s done their military service."He continues, “Biggest thanks and gratitude, as always, goes to ARMY for the past 13 years. Thank you so much.”j-j-hope smiled and cheered with the crowd, gesturing a "6-7"," We have been overwhelmed by the reacti...