BTS wins Artist Of The Year at American Music Awards as Katseye and Sombr take top honours

BTS secured Artist of the Year while Katseye, Sombr and KPop Demon Hunters also claimed major wins

BTS won Artist of the Year at the 2026 American Music Awards, marking the group’s return to the top fan-voted category despite ongoing hiatus linked to military service commitments.

The award marked BTS’ second win in the category following their previous victory in 2021. The group also picked up Song of the Summer for “Swim” and Best Male K-Pop Artist during the ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Katseye emerged as another major winner on the night, securing New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for “Gnarly”, and Breakthrough Pop Artist.

The group triumphed in a competitive category featuring Sombr, Olivia Dean, Ella Langley, Leon Thomas and Alex Warren.

Sombr also had a notable evening, winning Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends”, Best Rock/Alternative Album for “I Barely Know Her”, and Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist.

The soundtrack and music from KPop Demon Hunters also performed strongly across fan-voted categories.

“Golden”, performed by the singing voices of HUNTR/X including EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, won Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance and Best Pop Song. The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack additionally secured Best Soundtrack.

Sabrina Carpenter received Album of the Year for “Man’s Best Friend” alongside Best Female Pop Artist and Best Pop Album. Bruno Mars, Cardi B and BTS each finished the night with three wins.

Other winners included Shakira for Best Female Latin Artist and Tour of the Year, Kendrick Lamar for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, SZA for Best Female R&B Artist, and Justin Bieber for Best Male Pop Artist.

Taylor Swift entered the awards with eight nominations but did not receive a win during the ceremony. Olivia Dean, Lady Gaga and Alex Warren were also among the artists who left without awards despite multiple nominations.