BTS to Take the Stage at the 2026 AMAs…Aiming for Their Second Win in Five Years

The group BTS will head to the American Music Awards (American Music Awards, or 'AMAs' for short), one of the United States’ three major mainstream music awards, and set its sights on reclaiming the top prize after five years.

Competing for Artist of the Year against Taylor Swift and others

According to the organizers of the 'AMAs' on the 20th (local time), BTS will attend the '2026 AMAs' ceremony in person on the 25th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA. This will mark their first on-site appearance in about five years since 2021, drawing intense attention from fans around the world.

At this ceremony, BTS earned nominations for a total of three categories, including 'Artist of the Year,' the equivalent of the top grand prize, as well as 'Best Male K-Pop Artist' and 'Song of the Summer.' In particular, in the 'Artist of the Year' category, they will go head-to-head with top-tier pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars. The title track 'SWIM' from their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' was named as a candidate for 'Song of the Summer' right after its release, proving its overwhelming impact.

All eyes on whether they can set a new record for most wins

So far, BTS has brought home a total of 12 trophies at the 'AMAs'. In 2021, they achieved a historic feat by winning 'Artist of the Year' for the first time by a Korean artist. In addition, they claimed the top spot in the pop duo/group categories for four consecutive years starting in 2019, cementing their status as the most-winning act of all time.

A massive concert to light up Las Vegas in red

Along with attending the awards show, large-scale performances are also lined up. BTS will hold its solo concerts, 'BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN LAS VEGAS,' over four days from the 23rd to 24th and from the 27th to 28th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In collaboration with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city-linked project 'BTS THE CITY ARIRANG' will also be carried out, delivering a variety of cultural experiences, including the 'ARIRANG Red Illumination' that will color the entire city in a crimson glow.