Pop titans BTS dominated the 2026 American Music Awards on Sunday night, turning the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas into a frenzy as they opened the show with a fiery performance of ‘Hooligan’ before taking home three of the night’s biggest honours.
The group secured the coveted Artist of the Year trophy, along with Song of the Summer (for ‘SWIM’) and Best Male K-Pop Artist, further cementing their status as one of the most powerful forces in global pop music.
BTS launched the ceremony with a blockbuster rendition of ‘Hooligan’, delivering a performance that felt closer to a stadium concert than an awards-show opener. The arena was transformed into a cinematic landscape as red smoke flares filled the stage and towering fire torches ignited around the members, sending the crowd into deafening cheers.
Dressed in coordinated all-black leather ensembles, the seven-member group commanded the stage with razor-sharp choreography, backed by a massive troupe of dancers. Their trademark precision and charisma powered the performance, blending 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 career.
Watch the groups show-stopping performance of ‘Hoologan’ below:
Taking to the stage to collect their award for Song of the Summer, a clearly overjoyed RM said: “First thing first, a big shoutout to ARMY all over the world. Thank you so much for giving all the love for ‘SWIM’. When we made this album, we had a lot of pressure. We tried to figure out what music felt the most ‘us’ right now. The only thing we believed in was that we have to keep challenging and keep moving forward.”
With bandmate V adding: “Thank you 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! Thank you.”
Returning to the stage later in the evening after being crowned Artist of the Year – beating the likes of Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and Harry Styles – the group delivered what many in the audience called the night’s most emotional acceptance speech.
Stepping up to the mic, RM began: “ARMY, we made it once again! Thank you. It’s an honour to have this precious award once again. It’s a fan-voted award, so our biggest thanks and gratitude as always goes to our ARMY all over the world who stood by us for the past thirteen years. Thank you so much.”
j-hope continued: “We have been overwhelmed by the reaction to this album. Thank you for embracing ‘ARIRANG’, and every single song on this album that you helped chart. Thank you. 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, 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 SUGA expressed his gratitude with a simple: “Thank you!” Bringing the speech to a close, Jung Kook added: “Thank you AMAs. It feels so good to be back!”
Watch the official clip in full below:
Other big winners on the night included Bruno Mars, KATSEYE, Sabrina Carpenter, The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, and SOMBR, all of whom took home three trophies each.
Rock legend Billy Idol picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Fergie reunited with Black Eyed Peas bandmates will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap to accept the AMA for Best Throwback Song.
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