BTS Makes History at American Music Awards
South Korean band BTS has made history by becoming the first Asian act to receive the American Music Awards’ Artist of the Year twice. Their latest win in this prestigious category marks a significant milestone, following their first victory in 2021.
The AMA ceremony, held last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, was a special occasion for BTS as it marked their first appearance at a major awards show in four years. The group took a hiatus in 2022 while its seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. However, they returned this year with their new album, Arirang, which has been well-received by fans and critics alike.
BTS dominated the night by winning all three categories in which they were nominated. They claimed Best Male K-pop Artist, Song of the Summer for “Swim,” and the highly coveted Artist of the Year award. This final category is considered the ceremony’s top prize and saw the seven-member group triumph over big names such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga.
In his acceptance speech for the Artist of the Year award, BTS leader RM expressed his gratitude to the group’s loyal fanbase, known as the BTS ARMY. He said, “We made it once again! Our biggest thanks and gratitude, as always, goes to the armies all over the world. You have stood by us for the past 13 years. It means even more to receive such a big award again after completing military service. Since this award was made by fans’ votes, I am even more grateful.”
Indeed, while nominees at the AMAs are selected based on commercial performance, winners are decided entirely by public ballot. This makes the recognition even more meaningful for artists and fans alike.
K-Pop Dominates the Night
K-pop continued to shine at the American Music Awards, with several acts making an impact. BTS’ label partners Katseye were named New Artist of the Year, highlighting the growing influence of K-pop on the global stage. Additionally, the group K-Pop Demon Hunters had a successful night, taking home multiple awards.
One of the standout performances of the evening was the song “Golden” from Netflix’s animated hit film, which was named Song of the Year. It beat out other popular tracks such as Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem,” and Alex Warren’s “Ordinary.” “Golden” also earned a second prize for Best Vocal Performance.
KPop Demon Hunters also won Best Soundtrack, further cementing their place in the music industry.
Full List of This Year’s AMA Winners
Here is the complete list of winners from last night’s American Music Awards:
- 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
