BTS won three awards at the 2026 American Music Awards on May 26, 2026 [1, 2].
The victory marks a significant return for the South Korean group after a four-year hiatus [3]. This break was necessitated by the mandatory military service requirements for several members of the band [3].
The ceremony took place in Las Vegas, Nevada [2]. The event aired on CBS and was streamed via Paramount+ [2]. During the broadcast, the group—consisting of RM, Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, J-Hope, Suga, and V—delivered their first primetime television performance in four years [1, 3]. The group performed the song “Hooligan” [1].
In addition to the top honor of Artist of the Year, BTS won Best K-Pop Artist and Song of the Summer for their track “SWIM” [1]. This represents the group's second win for Artist of the Year in the history of the awards [2].
The group's return to the U.S. stage follows a period of individual activities and service. The three wins [1] highlight the group's continued global influence despite the extended absence from the primetime awards circuit.
“BTS won three awards at the 2026 American Music Awards”
The sweep of three major categories, including Artist of the Year, suggests that BTS has maintained its commercial dominance and fan loyalty despite a prolonged absence from the industry. Their ability to return to primetime television and immediately secure top honors indicates that the mandatory military hiatus did not diminish their marketability in the US music industry.
