In a dazzling night of music and celebration, the global phenomenon BTS clinched the coveted Artist of the Year award at the American Music Awards. The event unfolded at the illustrious MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where BTS outshone an impressive roster of nominees, including Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter. This victory marks BTS’s second triumph in this prestigious category, having first claimed the title in 2021, a historic moment as they became the first Asian act to win this fan-voted accolade.
Adding to their accolades for the evening, BTS also secured the Song of the Summer award for their hit track “SWIM” from their latest full-studio album, ARIRANG. The recognition of this track is a testament to the group’s continued musical evolution and widespread appeal.
All seven members of BTS—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—were present to celebrate their success. The group had just wrapped up the second of their four sold-out concerts at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, further cementing their status as global superstars.
During their acceptance speech, RM expressed heartfelt gratitude to their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY. “Thank you,” he began, addressing the roaring crowd. “It’s an honor to have this precious award once again, especially after everyone’s completed their military service.”
He added, “Our deepest thanks and appreciation always go to ARMY for supporting us through the past 13 years. We are incredibly grateful.”
With enthusiasm, j-hope joined in, sharing the excitement with fans by gesturing a “6-7” and acknowledging the overwhelming positive reception to their album. “Thank you for embracing every single song on the album,” he exclaimed, his words met with cheers from the enthusiastic audience.
j-j-hope smiled and cheered with the crowd, gesturing a “6-7″,” We have been overwhelmed by the reaction from the album. Thank you for embracing us on every single song on the album.”
Jimin thanked the fans who followed them on tour. Jin and Jung Kook expressed their love to ARMY.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) RM, Jin, Jungkook, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Suga of BTS accept the Artist of the Year award 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)
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In 2018, BTS won their first American Music Award for Top Social ArtisArtist. Since then, the group has won 10 more awards, including Tour of the Year, Favorite Duo or Group, Favorite K-pop Artist, and Favorite Pop Song. The group has the most consecutive wins in the Favorite Pop Duo or Group category from 2019 to 2022.
The group made their grand return in March this year, after completing their mandatory South Korean military service last June, with their fifth studio album ARIRANG, a documentary, and a World Tour featuring 82 shows across 34 cities worldwide. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top Album Sales charts, spending three consecutive weeks at the top.
BTS continues their two Las Vegas concerts at Allegiant Stadium this week, Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, before returning to South Korea to prepare for their concerts in Busan. After, they will travel for their UK/European leg of their World Tour ARIRANG, and then make a stop in July for the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show in New Jersey before they return to complete their U.S. concerts.
