▲ BTS accepts the Artist of the Year during the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026, in this Reuters' photo. (Yonhap)
▲ K-pop girl group Katseye accepts New Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026, in this Reuters' photo. (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) BTS-AMAs

(2nd LD) BTS wins top prize again at American Music Awards

(ATTN: UPDATES with more results from ceremony, acceptance speeches in paras 3, 5-6, 8-11; CHANGES, ADDS photos)

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- K-pop supergroup BTS clinched Artist of the Year, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) held in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time), marking its second win in the flagship category.

The septet beat global stars, such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift, to win the honor as it returned to the AMAs stage for the first time in five years.

It marks the second Artist of the Year title clinched by BTS, following its historic first victory in 2021, when it became the first Asian act to claim the top prize.

Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan voting.

"ARMYs, we made it once again!" BTS frontman RM shouted on stage, accepting the award. "Thank you. It's an honor to have this precious award after everybody has done their military service," he said. "Our biggest thanks and gratitude as always goes to the ARMYs all over the world who stood by us for the past 13 years."

Member Jimin said, "Thank you for passionately following us on tour and showing so much love in every city," before adding in Korean: "Thank you so much to ARMYs for your support and love. I love you."

The group also took home Song of the Summer for "Swim," the lead track from its fifth studio album, "Arirang," during the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

U.S.-based K-pop girl group Katseye won New Artist of the Year and performed its latest hit, "Pinky Up," on stage.

In addition, the hit Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters" and its original soundtrack "Golden" received three awards -- Best Soundtrack, Song of the Year and Best Vocal Performance.

Ejae and Rei Ami, members of the Korean American trio that performed "Golden" as the in-film girl group, attended the ceremony to receive the Song of the Year trophy, while the other member, Audrey Nuna, was not present.

"Truly, like this movie, this song is fueled by the fans. You guys filled the Honmoon," Ejae, who also co-wrote the song, said in her acceptance speech on stage, expressing appreciation to fans and the "KPop Demon Hunters" team.

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