BTS dominates 2026 AMAs as K-pop groups sweep major categories

BTS domination.

The K-pop group swept the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday night by winning all three awards they were nominated for, including the top prize of the night: artist of the year.

They also won best male K-pop artist and song of the summer for “Swim,” the lead single from their new album “Arirang.”

“Armys, we did it once again!” band leader RM said during the group’s artist of the year acceptance speech.

“It’s an honor to have this precious award,” he continued. “Our biggest thanks and gratitude, as always, go to Armys all over the world, who stood by us for the past 13 years. Thank you so much.”

RM, 31, also mentioned that the group completed their mandatory military service, for which they took a four-year hiatus from music.

Band member J-Hope added, “We’ve had such an overwhelming response to this album. Honestly, thank you for embracing ‘Arirang’ and every single song on this album that you helped chart. We’re so grateful.”

BTS kicked off the award show with a pre-taped performance of their song “Hooligan” from their Las Vegas concert the night before.

The group also presented the best female R&B artist award to SZA.

Two more K-pop groups also took home major awards Monday evening, with Huntr/x — the voices behind “K-Pop Demon Hunters” — winning song of the year, best vocal performance, best pop song and best soundtrack.

Katseye, meanwhile, won for new artist of the year, best music video and breakthrough pop artist.

Additionally, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Sombr and Sabrina Carpenter each had three wins apiece.

Taylor Swift had the most nominations heading into the night with eight. She lost in every category.

The show, hosted by Queen Latifah, also saw Karol G get the International Artist Award of Excellence, Billy Idol receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Darius Rucker honored with the Veterans Voice Award.

BTS — consisting of RM, J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Suga, V and Jung Kook —  announced their hiatus in June 2022 to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service.

“Arirang,” the group’s first studio album since 2020’s “Be,” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in the United States when it came out in March.

That same month, the group put out a Netflix documentary, “BTS: The Return,” where they opened up about their grueling work hours during the making of “Arirang.”

Jung Kook compared the members of the band to workers in a factory, while RM said he felt like they were “committing a crime” if they spoke up to ask for a break.