The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) delivered a night of high-energy performances, historic wins, and a nostalgic throwback to the ’90s, with BTS claiming Artist of the Year at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026. The event, hosted by Queen Latifah for the first time since 1995, featured a mix of K-pop, Latin, and rock acts, while also celebrating military partnerships and introducing new award categories.
BTS Dominates 2026 AMAs with Artist of the Year Win
BTS made history by winning Artist of the Year at the 2026 AMAs, marking their return after a four-year hiatus following mandatory military service obligations. The group opened the ceremony with a taped performance and later accepted the award, with fans “belting out their songs during commercial breaks,” according to Yahoo Entertainment’s Taryn Ryder. The win solidified BTS’s status as a global force, following their 2025 release of “The Life of a Showgirl,” which earned Taylor Swift a record 40th AMA trophy but did not secure her the top prize.
“Everyone is belting out their songs during commercial breaks,” Yahoo’s Taryn Ryder reported from inside the show. “I don’t know the last time I’ve seen anything like this at an awards show.”
BTS also won the Song of the Summer Award for “Swim,” a category introduced this year. Other winners included KATSEYE as New Artist of the Year and HUNTR/X—comprising EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—for Song of the Year with “Golden.” Rock/Alternative breakthrough artist Sombr took home two awards, including Best Rock/Alternative Song for “back to friends,” while Karol G won Best Latin Album for *Tropicoqueta*.
For more on this story, see 52nd American Music Awards: Taylor Swift Leads Nominations as BTS Returns.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Stars in Performances
The 52nd AMAs blended retro and contemporary acts, with New Kids on the Block joining Keith Urban and Billy Idol for a “delightfully weird mix of nostalgia,” as Yahoo noted. Hootie & the Blowfish and The Pussycat Dolls also performed, while modern stars like Karol G, Maluma, and Teyana Taylor brought energy to the stage. The show’s lineup highlighted the enduring appeal of ’90s icons alongside today’s chart-toppers.
Queen Latifah, returning as host 31 years after her debut in 1995, opened the ceremony in a floor-length fur coat amid 94-degree heat. Her return was celebrated as a “stellar” performance, with the show broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. Fans could still vote for Social Song of the Year and Tour of the Year during the first half-hour of the telecast, though most categories had closed earlier.
Queen Latifah’s Return as Host
Queen Latifah’s hosting gig marked a significant moment, as she became the first woman to host the AMAs since 2005. Her presence brought a sense of continuity to the event, which has historically been a platform for both established and emerging artists. The ceremony also featured a special Salute initiative, partnering with 11 military and veterans service organizations, including the USO and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, to honor service members during the Memorial Day weekend.
The AMAs’ 2026 edition introduced 12 new categories, including Best Throwback Song and Best Vocal Performance, reflecting the show’s effort to modernize while celebrating musical history. The “Golden” by HUNTR/X won Best Collaboration, while Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” took Best Music Video. The event’s focus on fan voting underscored its status as the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, with Taylor Swift leading nominations with eight nods.
Military Partnerships Highlight the Ceremony
As part of the 2026 AMAs Salute initiative, the ceremony partnered with military organizations to recognize service members. This included the Veterans Voice Award, presented to Darius Rucker, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Billy Idol. The collaboration aligned with the Memorial Day holiday, emphasizing the event’s role in honoring those who serve while celebrating music’s unifying power.
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