BTS eyes top prize again at American Music Awards

BTS performs during ″BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang″ in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 21. [NETFLIX/BIG HIT MUSIC]

K-pop supergroup BTS is seeking to clinch its second Artist of the Year award, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) as the ceremony takes place in Las Vegas on Monday.

The septet is nominated in three categories this year, including the flagship Artist of the Year award, and will compete against global stars such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift.

BTS will attend the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first time in five years, having last appeared in 2021.

The band is also nominated for Best Male K-pop Artist and Song of the Summer for “Swim,” the lead track from its fifth studio album, “Arirang.”

A win for Artist of the Year would mark its second grand prize at the AMAs. In 2021, BTS made history as the first Asian act to win the top award, sweeping three trophies, including Favorite Duo or Group and Favorite Pop Song for its megahit “Butter.”

Coldplay and BTS perform during the 49th Annual American Music Awards at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2021. [YONHAP/REUTERS]

Nominees for this year’s AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan votes.

“Dracula (Remix),” a collaboration between Blackpink member Jennie and Australian act Tame Impala, is also nominated for Song of the Summer.

U.S.-based girl group Katseye secured three nominations, including New Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Pop Artist, and its track “Gnarly” (2025) is in the running for Best Music Video.

The Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” (2025) earned a nomination for Best Soundtrack, and “Golden” (2025), performed by its fictional girl group HUNTR/X, was short-listed for Best Pop Song.

In the Best Male K-pop Artist category, BTS is joined by Ateez, Enhypen, Stray Kids and Tomorrow X Together. Nominees for Best Female K-pop Artist include aespa, Blackpink, ILLIT, Le Sserafim and Twice.