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Katseye Wins New Artist as BTS Dominates AMAs

5/26/2026

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Summary

BTS Wins

BTS won Artist of the Year and Song of the Summer for “Swim” at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026.
KATSEYE won New Artist of the Year, beating Sombr, Olivia Dean and Ella Langley.
Sombr took Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends” and Album for I Barely Know Her.
EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X won Song of the Year for “Golden,” also Best Pop Song.

Summary

BTS Opens AMAs

BTS opened the AMAs with a “Hooligan” video filmed at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Host Jennifer Lopez introduced the clip, noting BTS’s return after four years, which prompted loud cheers.
BTS presented the Best Female R&B Artist award to SZA, who expressed excitement on stage.
Dick Clark Productions, owned by Penske Media Eldridge, produced the ceremony while BTS will play at Allegiant Stadium on May 27 and May 28, 2026.

History

Historical Context

In July 2012 Psy released “Gangnam Style,” which became the first YouTube video to hit 1 billion views on December 21, 2012, sparking worldwide K-pop awareness. The viral breakthrough paved the way for acts such as BTS, who by 2026 performed at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas and won Artist of the Year, confirming K-pop’s entrenched mainstream status.

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BTS Wins

BTS won Artist of the Year and Song of the Summer for “Swim” at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026.
KATSEYE won New Artist of the Year, beating Sombr, Olivia Dean and Ella Langley.
Sombr took Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends” and Album for I Barely Know Her.
EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X won Song of the Year for “Golden,” also Best Pop Song.

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