Global pop icons BTS swept the top honors at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) on Monday, clinching the coveted Artist of the Year award during the fan-voted ceremony broadcast live from Las Vegas on CBS and Paramount+.
The K-pop powerhouse beat out a formidable lineup of industry giants, including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga. In addition to the night’s highest honor, BTS secured the Song of the Summer award for their chart-topping hit single, Swim.
The group also kicked off the festivities with a pre-recorded, high-energy performance of their track Hooligan, filmed during the Las Vegas stop of their Arirang Tour, featuring the members in synchronized all-black attire and matching sunglasses.
The night also marked a massive milestone for indie-rock artist Sombr, who walked away with two major accolades. He took home Best Rock/Alternative Album for his debut record, I Barely Know Her, alongside Best Rock/Alternative Song for his track Back to Friends.
“I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom,” Sombr shared in an emotional acceptance speech. “So being here, I never would have expected that.”
Rounding out the major categories of the evening, the prestigious Song of the Year award was captured by Golden, the viral, upbeat anthem featured on the official soundtrack of KPop Demon Hunters.