BTS beats Taylor Swift to win Artist of the Year at American Music Awards. Check the full winners list

"We made it once again!" RM screamed as cheers filled the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after BTS won Artist of the Year at the 2026 American Music Awards. The group defeated major global stars, including Taylor Swift, along with nominees like Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Sabrina Carpenter, to take home one of the biggest fan-voted honours of the night.

The 2026 American Music Awards wrapped up on Memorial Day, May 25, with a star-studded ceremony held in Las Vegas. BTS dominated the evening with multiple wins and a high-energy performance that reminded fans why the group remains one of the biggest names in global music.

This marks BTS’ second Artist of the Year win at the AMAs after first taking the trophy in 2021. The achievement became even more special as the group recently reunited following a hiatus for mandatory military service.


During the acceptance speech, RM thanked ARMYs around the world for standing by the band throughout their 13-year journey. He called the award precious and credited fans for helping the group reach the milestone once again. Busta Rhymes presented the award on stage. J-Hope also thanked fans for the overwhelming response to the group’s comeback album ARIRANG, while Jimin expressed gratitude to fans who supported the band throughout its tour.



Apart from Artist of the Year, BTS also won Song of the Summer for SWIM and performed Hooligan live at the awards show. Their album ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 earlier this year.

Complete list of winners for the 52nd annual American Music Awards:

GENERAL CATEGORIES
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”

POP CATEGORIES
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”

COUNTRY CATEGORIES
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”

HIP-HOP CATEGORIES
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?”

R&B CATEGORIES
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”

LATIN CATEGORIES
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”

ROCK CATEGORIES
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”

DANCE/ELECTRONIC CATEGORIES
Best Dance/Electronic Artist: David Guetta

K-POP CATEGORIES
Best Male K-Pop Artist: BTS
Best Female K-Pop Artist: Twice

AFROBEATS CATEGORIES
Best Afrobeats Artist: Tyla

AMERICANA/FOLK CATEGORIES
Best Americana/Folk Artist: Noah Kahan