BTS performed their new song "Hooligan" at the 2026 American Music Awards on May 25 [1].
The appearance marks a significant return for the South Korean pop group, which had not appeared at an award show for four years [1]. As one of the most influential musical acts globally, their return to the award circuit signals a new era of activity for the ensemble.
The event took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada [1]. The seven-member group, consisting of Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, and V, used the platform to debut "Hooligan" [2].
Reports regarding the nature of the performance vary. Some accounts indicate the group performed the song during the event [1]. Other reports said the group opened the Las Vegas ceremony with a pre-taped performance of "Hooligan" taken from a concert held the previous night [2].
The group's presence in Nevada follows a period of intense local demand. BTS recently completed four sold-out shows at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas [3]. This surge in popularity underscores the group's continued draw in the U.S. market despite their extended absence from award ceremonies.
The performance of "Hooligan" serves as the primary vehicle for the group's current promotional cycle. By leveraging the American Music Awards, the group aimed to maximize the visibility of the new single to a global audience.
“BTS returned to an award show after four years”
The return of BTS to a major U.S. award show after a four-year hiatus suggests a strategic pivot back toward high-visibility Western media events. By debuting "Hooligan" at the AMAs and pairing it with a series of sold-out stadium dates in Las Vegas, the group is reaffirming its commercial dominance and operational capacity as a full seven-member unit.
