The 2026 edition of the American Music Awards turned into a memorable night filled with major wins, emotional speeches, and powerful performances. Held at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, the star-studded event celebrated some of the biggest names in global music.
One of the biggest highlights of the night was global K-pop sensation BTS winning the prestigious Artist of the Year award. The group also grabbed Song of the Summer for their hit track “Swim,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts earlier this year. BTS kicked off the show with an energetic performance of “Hooligan,” receiving massive cheers from fans inside the arena.
Later in the evening, BTS members also presented the award for Best Female R&B Artist to SZA, who added another major trophy to her successful career.
Another standout artist at the AMAs 2026 was rising alternative star sombr. He won Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends” and Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her. His dramatic live performance of “Homewrecker,” featuring rain effects on stage, became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Meanwhile, animated music phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters also dominated the awards. The singing voices behind HUNTR/X — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI — won Song of the Year for their smash hit “Golden.” The song ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and later added Best Pop Song and Best Vocal Performance to its success.
Despite entering the night with eight nominations, pop superstar Taylor Swift surprisingly went home without a single win. She remains the most awarded artist in AMA history with 40 trophies overall.
The 52nd AMAs were hosted by legendary rapper and actress Queen Latifah, who returned to the stage after previously co-hosting the show back in 1995.
Biggest Winners of AMAs 2026
Here are some of the major winners from the 2026 American Music Awards:
- Artist of the Year — BTS
- Album of the Year — Sabrina Carpenter (Man’s Best Friend)
- Song of the Year — HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI (“Golden”)
- Best Female Pop Artist — Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Male Pop Artist — Justin Bieber
- Best Female R&B Artist — SZA
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist — Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist — Cardi B
- Best Latin Album — KAROL G (Tropicoqueta)
- Tour of the Year — Shakira (Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour)
The 2026 AMAs proved once again why the show remains one of the biggest nights in music entertainment. From K-pop dominance to breakout stars and emotional performances, fans across the world witnessed a night packed with unforgettable moments.
