BTS wins Artist of the Year at the AMAs

BTS have won the coveted title of Artist of the Year at the 2026 American Music Awards.

The South Korean boy band scooped the gong amid fierce competition from the likes of Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.

BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook attended the 2026 AMAs tonight, marking their first awards show appearance in four years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

RM told the cheering audience, "Thank you. It's an honour to have this precious award once again after everybody's done their military service."

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," he gushed.

Katseye was awarded New Artist of the Year, while Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Man's Best Friend, and Huntr/X bagged Song of the Year with Golden.

Among the nominees going into the night, Taylor Swift stood out with eight nominations, including in the Artist of the Year and Best Female Pop Artist.

The pop star confirmed shortly before the event that she would not be attending. With 40 AMA trophies, Swift is the most-awarded artist in the show's history but she came up short tonight with zero wins.

The 52nd AMAs were held in Las Vegas, hosted by Queen Latifah.

Viewers were treated to a slew of musical performances, including those by Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Billy Idol, International Artist Award of Excellence recipient Karol G, Hootie & the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block, Katseye, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor and Sombr.

Here's a highlight list of winners.

Artist of the year: BTS

New artist of the year: Katseye

Album of the year: Sabrina Carpenter, Man's Best Friend

Song of the year: Huntr/X, Golden

Collaboration of the year: PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson, Stateside

Best music video: Katseye, Gnarly

Tour of the year: Shakira, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Best male pop artist: Justin Bieber

Best female pop artist: Sabrina Carpenter

Best pop song: Huntr/X, Golden

Best pop album: Sabrina Carpenter, Man's Best Friend

Best male country artist: Morgan Wallen

Best female country artist: Ella Langley

Best male hip-hop artist: Kendrick Lamar

Best female hip-hop artist: Cardi B

Best male R&B artist: Bruno Mars

Best female R&B artist: SZA

Best male Latin artist: Bad Bunny

Best female Latin artist: Shakira

Best dance/electronic artist: David Guetta

Best Rock/Alternative Artist: Twenty One Pilots

Best male K-Pop artist: BTS

Best female K-Pop artist: Twice