BTS took home the top prize, Artist of the Year, at the American Music Awards, one of the three major U.S. popular music award shows. After returning as a full group following their military hiatus, BTS proved with this win that they remain a force in the global music market.
The American Music Awards (AMA) were held on the 25th local time at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Along with the Billboard Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, the AMAs are considered one of the three major U.S. popular music award shows. Winners are determined entirely by public vote, making the event a key measure of popularity in the global music market.
BTS opened the AMAs with a performance of “Hooligan,” which they recently presented during their world tour in the United States, and went on to win three awards that night. They captured trophies in all three nominated categories, including the top prize, Artist of the Year, as well as Song of the Summer and Best Male K-pop Artist.
Leader RM said, “ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth) made this happen once again,” adding, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to ARMY around the world who have been with us for the past 13 years.” Jimin also thanked fans, saying, “Thank you for joining our concert tour and for showing us love in every city.”
The win is especially meaningful because BTS achieved it about two months after releasing their new album, Arirang, following a period of inactivity due to military service. BTS had already won Artist of the Year at the ceremony in 2021, and by breaking their long hiatus and returning to the top once again, they made clear that their era is still going strong.
Attention in the industry is now turning to the Grammy Awards, which will be held in Los Angeles (LA) next February. BTS have already reached the top at two of the three major U.S. award shows, the AMAs and the Billboard Music Awards, leaving the Grammys as the only barrier they have yet to overcome.
With a dazzling signal shot from the AMA top prize, all eyes are on whether BTS can cross the threshold of the Grammy Awards, widely regarded as the most conservative of the major popular music award shows, and leave an unprecedented mark in K-pop history.
