BTS’s new song “SWIM” was named the winner of “Song of the Summer” at the American Music Awards (AMA), one of the three major pop music awards in the United States.

At the AMA ceremony held on the 25th local time at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the song beat nine competing tracks, including Taylor Swift’s “Elizabeth Taylor,” to take home the “Song of the Summer” award.

As they took the stage to accept the award, BTS members said, “We’re glad to be back at the AMA. We’ll keep swimming,” offering a witty remark that tied into the song’s meaning.

Released on March 20, the title track “SWIM” from BTS’s fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” topped both the U.S. Billboard main album chart, the Billboard 200, and the singles chart, the Billboard Hot 100, riding a wave of global popularity. It also reached No. 1 on Billboard Global Excl. US.

“Arirang” is an album that explores BTS’s identity and the universal emotions they face. “SWIM” captures the attitude of moving forward without stopping, even amid the waves of life.

Earlier in the day, BTS also opened the 2026 AMA with video footage from their World Tour concert in Las Vegas. In the video, they performed “Hooligan,” one of the tour’s stage numbers, drawing attention.

With this win, BTS will now compete for major honors, including the top prize, Artist of the Year, as well as Best Male K-Pop Artist.

The AMA is regarded as one of the three major pop music awards in the United States, alongside the Grammy Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.