BTS Wins 2026 American Music Award’s Song of the Summer for ‘SWIM’

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentBTS Wins 2026 American Music Award’s Song of the Summer for ‘SWIM’ByLaura 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, 10:08pm EDTMay 25, 2026, 10:09pm 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 ImagesBTS just scored their first win at the American Music Award at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas with Song of the Summer for their lead track, “SWIM,” from their fifth studio album, ARIRANG. BTS beats out Alex Warren’s “FEVER DREAM,” Bella Kay's “iloveitiloveitiloveit,” Ella Langley's “Choosin' Texas,” Harry Styles’ “American Girls,” Noah Kahan's “The Great Divide,” PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson's “Stateside,” SOMBR's “Homewrecker, Tame Impala and JENNIE's “Dracula,” and Taylor Swift's “Elizabeth Taylor.” This is the first award of its category this year.BTS are also up for Best Male K-Pop Artist Award and Artist of the Year, which their previously won in 2021. 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.During their speech, RM told the cheering audience, “First and foremost, big shout out to ARMY. Thank you so much for giving all the love for ‘SWIM.’ When we made this, we had a lot of pressure, and were trying to figure out what kind of music felt the most like us right now. The only thing we believed then was that we have to keep challenging and kee...