The American Music Awards (AMAs) honored the year’s biggest pop names at the ceremony that took place at the MGM Grand Arena on May 25, hosted by rapper‑actress Queen Latifah, who’s set for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026.
The biggest categories of the awards show presented Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and New Artist of the Year, to Album of the Year and Song of the Summer.
The AMA featured live performances by Hootie & the Blowfish, The Pussycat Dolls, and Latin‑pop megastar Karol G, alternative pop singer sombr, and girl group KATSEYE.
BTS and TWICE Lead K-Pop AMAs Sweep
BTS swept a couple of AMA trophies, including Artist of the Year, edging out American heavyweights Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and even Taylor Swift. BTS also won Best Male K-pop Artist, winning the award over other groups like ATEEZ, Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. BTS’ Arirang lead single “Swim” also took Song of the Summer.
TWICE won Best Female K-pop Group beating BLACKPINK, ILLIT, LESSERAFIM, and aespa, while songwriters EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami scored a major win for “Golden” off the K‑pop Demon Hunters soundtrack for “Song of the Year.” At this point, the song has been awarded by almost every major award-giving body in the music industry today, proving its longevity further.
Every Other Major AMA 2026 Winner
In a quirky twist, the AMAs added a Throwback Song of the Year category won by Black Eyed Peas for “Rock Your Body.” Apl.de.ap, Taboo, and will.i.am appeared with former member Fergie to accept. Apl.de.ap dedicated the moment to Filipino fans: “Maraming salamat! Mahal ko kayo. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino!” Fergie shouted out TikTok and Reels for reviving the track and mentioned her son putting it on his playlist.
In other categories, KATSEYE doubled up with wins for Artist of the Year, beating Olivia Dean, Alex Warren, and sombr, and Music Video of the Year for “Gnarly.” Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend, beating Playboi Carti, Lady Gaga, and Tate McRae, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
The awards ceremony is hosted by rapper‑actress Queen Latifah, who’s set for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026.
BTS swept a couple of AMA trophies, including Artist of the Year, Best Male K-pop Artist of the Year, and Song of the Summer.
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EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the voices behind HUNTRIX, won Song of the Year for “Golden.”
The Black Eyed Peas won Throwback Song of the Year for “Rock That Body.”
KATSEYE won Artist of the Year, beating Olivia Dean, sombr, Alex Warren, Leon Thomas, and Ella Langley.
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