The song "Golden," performed by HUNTR/X and singer-songwriter EJAE, won Song of the Year at the American Music Awards on Monday [1].
The victory marks a significant milestone for the track, which beat nine other nominees [2]. The win underscores the growing global influence of K-pop and soundtrack compositions within the U.S. music industry.
The ceremony took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada [3]. The award was decided by a voting process that saw "Golden" edge out a competitive field of finalists [2].
Among the nominees was Taylor Swift, whose track "The Fate of Ophelia" was also in contention for the top prize [2]. The win for "Golden" continues a streak of success for the track as it gains momentum in the international market [4].
While most reports credit the performance to HUNTR/X and EJAE [1], the track has drawn attention for its role in the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack. The event on May 26, 2026 [5], served as a focal point for the year's most impactful musical contributions, highlighting a shift in listener preferences toward cross-media collaborations.
Industry observers said the winning song had to outperform nine other high-profile entries to secure the trophy [2]. The celebration at the MGM Grand Garden Arena [3] concluded with the announcement of the full winners list, cementing the track's place in the 2026 awards cycle.
“"Golden" won the American Music Awards' Song of the Year award”
The win for "Golden" illustrates the increasing integration of soundtrack music and K-pop aesthetics into mainstream American award categories. By defeating established pop icons like Taylor Swift, the track demonstrates that niche media properties—such as the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack—can now achieve the broad commercial and critical reach necessary to dominate traditional U.S. music charts and ceremonies.
