Pop titans BTS dominated in 2026 American Music Awards on Sunday night, turned the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas into a frenzy as they opened the show with a fiery performance by ‘Hooligan’ before taking home three of the night’s biggest awards.
The group secured what they wanted Artist of the year trophy, along with Song of the summer (for ‘SWIM’) and Best Male K-Pop Artistfurther cementing their status as one of the most powerful forces in global pop music.
BTS launched the ceremony with a blockbuster rendition of ‘Hooligan’and delivers a performance that felt closer to a stadium concert than an awards premiere. The arena was transformed into a movie set as red puffs of smoke filled the stage and towering fire torches were lit around the members, sending the crowd into deafening cheers.
Dressed in coordinating all-black leather ensembles, the seven-member group commanded the stage with razor-sharp choreography, backed by a huge group of dancers. Their trademark precision and charisma propelled the performance, mixing explosive visuals with the kind of high-energy spectacle that has become synonymous with BTS live shows.
The triumphant night marked yet another milestone for the K-pop superstars, whose influence on the global music landscape continues to grow more than a decade into their careers.
Watch the group’s show-stopping performance ‘Hoologan’ below:
Goes up on stage to collect his prize for Song of the summera clearly overjoyed one RM said: “First of all, a big shoutout to ARMY all over the world. Thank you so much for giving all the love to ‘SWIM’. When we made this album we had a lot of pressure. We tried to find out which music felt most “us” right now. The only thing we believed in was that we had to keep challenging and keep moving forward.”
With the band mate V adds, “Thank you to everyone at BIGHIT including Nicole, SeonJeong and our producer “hitman” Bang. To everyone out there who keeps swimming no matter what, we send you our love and support. Keep swimming. Let’s go! Thanks.”
Returning to the stage later in the evening after being crowned Artist of the year – hit such as Bad rabbit, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swiftand Harry Styles – the group gave what many in the audience called the most emotional acceptance speech of the night.
Stepping up to the microphone, RM began, “ARMY, we made it once again! Thank you. It’s an honor to receive this precious award once again. It’s a fan-voted award, so our biggest thanks and gratitude goes to our ARMY all over the world who have stood by us for the past thirteen years. Thank you so much.”
j-hop continued: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction to this album. Thank you for embracing ‘ARIRANG’and every single song on this album that you helped map out. Thanks. We are so grateful.”
Jimin added, “Thank you for passionately following us on tour and showing so much love in every city. We feel your love and we really appreciate it. And to all the ARMYs who always support and love us, thank you so much. We love you.”
Jin shared warmly: “ARMY, we love you all,” while SUCK expressed his gratitude with a simple, “Thank you!” End the speech, Jung Kook added: “Thanks AMAs. Feels so good to be back!”
Watch the official clip in full below:
Other big winners on the night are included Bruno Mars, KATSEYE, Sabrina Carpenter, The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMIand SHADOWwho all took home three trophies each.
Rock legend Billy Idol picked one up Lifetime Achievement Awardwhile Fergie reunite with Black Eyed Peas bandmates will.i.am, Tabooand apl.de.ap to accept AMA for Best Throwback Song.
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