BTS Wins Artist of the Year at the 52nd American Music Awards
Similar Articles
52nd American Music Awards Set for Memorial Day 2026 Broadcast
Queen Latifah Hosts 52nd American Music Awards on CBS
Katseye Wins Best New Artist and Performs at American Music Awards
Sombr Performs 'Homewrecker' at 52nd American Music Awards
Billboard Women in Music Honors Artists and Executives at 2026 Event
BTS won the Artist of the Year award for the second time at the 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) on Monday night. The group's win comes while they are on a hiatus for military service. The ceremony, hosted by Queen Latifah, also saw Katseye win New Artist of the Year and featured performances from a range of artists including Karol G and New Kids on the Block.
Facts First
- BTS won Artist of the Year for the second time, having previously won in 2021.
- Katseye won New Artist of the Year and performed their song 'Pinky Up' during the telecast.
- The ceremony was hosted by Queen Latifah and honored Billy Idol with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Taylor Swift led all nominees with eight nominations, though her wins were not announced by the broadcast's end.
- The awards were presented only to winners present at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
What Happened
The 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) took place on May 25, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. BTS won the Artist of the Year award, marking their second win in the category. The group is currently on a hiatus for military service. Katseye won the New Artist of the Year award and performed their song 'Pinky Up' during the three-hour CBS/Paramount+ telecast. Other winners included Sombr for Best Rock/Alternative Song and Album, SZA for Best Female R&B Artist, and Karol G for Best Latin Album. The show's policy was to only award trophies to winners present in the arena. As of the end of the telecast, a full list of winners had not been released.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of pop music, the awards highlight the current artists and songs gaining recognition, which may influence what you hear on the radio or streaming platforms. The event's availability for streaming live on CBS and Paramount+ and on-demand the next day provides flexible viewing options for catching performances and acceptance speeches. The recognition of artists across genres, from rock to R&B to Latin, offers a snapshot of the year's popular music landscape.
What's Next
Katseye's song 'Pinky Up' is scheduled to be included on their third EP, 'Wild', which releases on August 14. Queen Latifah has stated she intends to release new music this year, which she says will be a mixture of hip hop, jazz, and soul. A full list of AMA winners is likely to be released by Dick Clark Productions following the telecast.