BTS won big at the 2026 American Music Awards Monday night, taking home the coveted Artist of the Year honor, nearly a year after the K-pop superstars made their comeback after a three-year hiatus following military service.
The "Arirang" singers kicked off the awards ceremony at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, their first AMA appearance in four years, and performed their hit "Hooligan," before also picking up the Song of the Summer (for "SWIM") and Best Male K-Pop Artist wins.
K-pop continued to dominate throughout the night, with KATSEYE winning three AMAs, including New Artist of the Year. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X also won their first AMA trophies for Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Song -- all for "Golden" from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack.
EJAE also won for Best Soundtrack for "KPop Demon Hunters."
Queen Latifah hosted the star-studded evening, helping to usher in the '90s revival, a theme that continued throughout the ceremony with Hootie and the Blowfish, New Kids on the Block and Busta Rhymes all performing.
Other top honors of the night included SOMBR's three wins for Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist, Best Rock/Alternative Song (for "back to friends") and Best Rock/Alternative Album (for "I Barely Know Her"). Sabrina Carpenter also picked up her three AMAs, including for Album of the Year for "Man's Best Friend."
Legendary rock singer Billy Idol, now 70, was also honored with the the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on his long-running career and inspired the next generation to pursue their musical passions.
"When I started out in punk rock back in 1976 we thought it may only last about six months, let alone 50 years," Idol said. "But we were doing it for the love ... and because music was the only thing that gave us a sort of feeling of freedom."
"So, to any kid out there who loves rock and roll, or any music of any kind ... and if you're inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, then all I can say is pick an instrument, find out who you are, and be it," he added.
See the full winners list below.
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: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami -- "Golden"
Collaboration of the Year: PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson -- "Stateside"
Social Song of the Year: Tyla -- "CHANEL"
Best Music Video: KATSEYE -- "Gnarly"
Best Soundtrack: KPop Demon Hunters
Tour of the Year: Shakira -- Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
Breakout Tour: Benson Boone -- American Heart World Tour
Breakthrough Album of the Year: Zara Larsson -- Midnight Sun
Best Throwback Song: Black Eyed Peas -- "Rock That Body"
Best Vocal Performance: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami -- "Golden"
Song of the Summer: BTS -- "SWIM"
Best Male Pop Artist: Justin Bieber
Best Female Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
Breakthrough Pop Artist: KATSEYE
Best Pop Song: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami -- "Golden"
Best Pop Album: Sabrina Carpenter -- Man's Best Friend
Best Male Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
Best Female Country Artist: Ella Langley
Best Country Duo or Group: Zac Brown Band
Breakthrough Country Artist: Sam Barber
Best Country Song: Ella Langley -- "Choosin' Texas"
Best Country Album: Megan Moroney -- Cloud 9
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B
Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist: Monaleo
Best Hip-Hop Song: Cardi B -- "ErrTime"
Best Hip-Hop Album: Cardi B -- AM I THE DRAMA?
Best Male R&B Artist: Bruno Mars
Best Female R&B Artist: SZA
Breakthrough R&B Artist: Leon Thomas
Best R&B Song: Bruno Mars -- "I Just Might"
Best R&B Album: Bruno Mars -- The Romantic
Best Male Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Best Female Latin Artist: Shakira
Best Latin Duo or Group: Fuerza Regida
Breakthrough Latin Artist: Kapo
Best Latin Song: Bad Bunny -- "NUEVAYoL"
Best Latin Album: KAROL G -- Tropicoqueta
Best Rock/Alternative Artist: Twenty One Pilots
Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist: SOMBR
Best Rock/Alternative Song: SOMBR -- "back to friends"
Best Rock/Alternative Album: SOMBR -- I Barely Know Her
Best Dance/Electronic Artist: David Guetta
Best Male K-Pop Artist: BTS
Best Female K-Pop Artist: TWICE
Best Afrobeats Artist: Tyla
Best Americana/Folk Artist: Noah Kahan
