BTS proved that a military hiatus is no match for ARMY love. The group walked away with Artist of the Year at the 52nd American Music Awards, held Monday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking their second time winning the fan-voted honor and their first since going on hiatus for mandatory military service. Along with the top prize, the group also picked up Song of the Summer for “Swim” and Best Male K-Pop Artist, giving them three wins on the night.
Katseye was another major story coming out of the ceremony. The group claimed New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for “Gnarly,” and Breakthrough Pop Artist, delivering one of the night’s most talked-about performances in the process. Sombr held his own too, taking home Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends,” Best Rock/Alternative Album for “I Barely Know Her,” and Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist.
The “KPop Demon Hunters” universe continued to flex its cultural reach as “Golden,” performed by the singing voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, swept Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Song. Sabrina Carpenter added Album of the Year for “Man’s Best Friend” to her growing trophy case, while PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson took Collaboration of the Year for “Stateside.” Shakira‘s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour claimed Tour of the Year. It was a big, messy, joyful night for music.
