They did it, again.
Bangtan Sonyeondan aka BTS have won the Top Social Artist award and Top Duo/Group Award at the Billboard Music Awards 2019. The BBMAs took on their official Twitter handle to announce the results.
You voted and the results are in! Congrats @BTS_twt, our #BBMAs Top Social Artist! pic.twitter.com/javTPx2ces
— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 1, 2019
Top Social Artist Award: The fan-voted award saw BTS’ fans uniting on social media to work as unit and vote for the group. This is their third consecutive win since 2017 at the BBMAs but this time, it’s even more special. Not only are BTS nominated for the Top Social Awards, but they were also nominated for Top Duo/Group awards. The nomination helps BTS strengthen their foothold amongst people who recently discovered them and who are yet to discover the septet.
#BBMAs Top Duo/Group goes to @BTS_twt! CONGRATULATIONS! pic.twitter.com/1ysKEIBaqo
— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) May 2, 2019
Top Duo/Group Award: BBMAs took on their official handle to finally announce the winner of the Top Duo/Group and BTS became the first Korean artist to bag the award. A non-fan voted category, winning Top Duo/Group is definitely a massive feat for the group. In the past two years, BTS’ presence on the mainstream charts has been a subject of conversation for many music critics and non-fans.
As explained by Gold Derby,
“The Billboard Awards are decided by measuring key audience interactions with music like record sales, online streaming, radio airplay, touring success and more, just like the weekly Billboard charts are.”
Based on sales, this category offers an answer to the people who wants to understand the shift BTS is bringing to the mainstream industry, both in terms of economy and in terms of representation.
Top Social Artist award is deemed to be determined by the level of engagement an artist generate on social media but the septet has been disrupting this conventional understanding on the award by using the same platforms to spread their message and helping their fans become aware of the world, which in turn have helped fans motivate themselves to spread BTS’ music amongst other people.
Both the awards have their individual significance and must be seen as a huge steps for the boys who aim to enter some of the biggest music markets in the world.
On April 12, BTS released their sixth extended play “Map of the Soul: Persona”. The mini-album went on to create new records for the group as it debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard Top 200 making BTS the first band since The Beatles to have 3 number 1 albums in less than a year. The album topped UK, Scottish, New Zealand, and Australian charts, making them the first ever Korean group to achieve this massive feat.
This year, fans and critics saw a drastic increase in radio plays for the group, a significant move for the group as it helped Big Hit and BTS penetrate the American locale and introduce themselves amongst the general public. Following their performance at the Saturday Night Live, BTS have already made a mark amongst the audience. The label, group, and the fans are working cohesively to leverage each and every opportunity that would help them sustain BTS’ place in the western music industry.
The fans who understand the nitty-gritty of the industry can be seen to be aiming for longevity, a factor if achieved, will eventually work in favour of the group, both in terms of awareness and sales.
BTS will be performing their new single “Boy With Luv” with Halsey, gracing the Billboard stage for the second time. Last year, the group stunned the audience with their performance of “Fake Love”. It’s no wonder that everyone is eagerly waiting for them to get on the stage.
What do you think about the group’s performance at the BBMAs today? Share your thoughts via tweet @CelebMix.