On the 25th (local time), at the αмєяι¢αn Music Awards 2026 held at MGM Grand Garden Arena, BTS was announced as the winner of the “Artist of the Year” award. The group surpαѕѕed major names such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, once again proving their powerful global status. This also marked the group’s first major αмєяι¢αn awards show appearance since all members completed their military service and reunited as a full group.
This was also BTS’s second time winning the grand prize at the AMAs since their historic victory in 2021. At that time, BTS ѕнσ¢кed international media by becoming the first кσяєαn artist and the first group since One Direction to win the category. And this year’s ceremony, the group also took home “Song of the Summer” and “Best Male K-pop Artist,” completing an impressive triple crown. Winning three awards at the AMAs once again solidified BTS’s unwavering global dominance following their post-military comeback.
During the acceptance speech, leader RM emotionally shared: “ARMYS WE MADE IT ONCE AGAIN!” The idol continued thanking fans around the world: “Thank you, it's an honour to have this precious award once again after everybody done their military service. Like the legendary Busta Rhymes said, this is a fan-voted award! Our biggest gratitude and thanks as always goes to the ARMYs all over the world. You stood by us for the past 13 years, thank you so much!”
Meanwhile, during a livestream after the awards ceremony tonight, BTS also addressed fans regarding why the group only attended and accepted awards this year without performing. Specifically, RM explained that the members were not in the best physical condition after two consecutive concerts in Las Vegas as part of BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'. He stated: “We have to tell you, but we didn't do a performance and we just did 2 shows and my voice is hoarse and…”
Hearing this, Jin quickly added: “And we have more concerts to do.” RM then concluded simply: “Because of condition issues, we said, ‘let’s do what we can do’ and we want to show them our normal condition.”
Before the AMAs took place, BTS had continuously been performing sold-out concerts at mαѕѕive stadiums with capacities exceeding 50,000 seats, including Raymond James Stadium, Sun Bowl Stadium, Estadio GNP Seguros, Stanford Stadium, and most recently Allegiant Stadium. All 22 performances were sung live, and the members consistently interacted with fans and performed at 100% energy for over two hours each night. On top of that, they only have a two-day break before completing the final two nights of their four-day Las Vegas concert series on the 27th and 28th (local time).
Although BTS did not perform at the AMAs this year, fans did not feel disappointed — especially after hearing the members honestly explain that their physical condition was the main reason they could not perform. For fans, simply seeing BTS attend the ceremony and sweep three awards at one of the three biggest music award shows in the United States was already more than enough to make them happy. Right now, what fans care about most is the members’ health, and they hope BTS can rest properly and successfully complete the remaining two Las Vegas concerts.
Across social media, messages of support and encouragement for BTS are pouring in:
- You came there that's enough for us. Rest well kings, we have more concert
- That’s good, health comes first! I'm glad that they don’t feel pressured by stuff like this anymore
- Oh I clearly stan them long enough to finally, finally see them acknowledge this, to put themselves first, I'm sooooo proud. My loves it's alright your presences are the blessing already
- We are more than happy to just see y'all there and bag the awardss
- I'm glad they didn't overdo it and kept their health as the first priority. We're healing guys.
- We are all more than just happier bc u guys appeared, health is most important after all. thank you so much tannies
- We understand, your health is more important after all you went there! It’s more than enough
- Totally fine and kinda ICONIC that you used a literal award show to show that you have SOLD OUT SHOWS
- BTS putting their health above everything is what I'm so grateful to see. They came back stronger, both physically and mentally and its the healthiest thing they can do for themselves. Making wise decisions and keeping their health the priority! So proud of our bangtan!
- I LOVE THIS FOR THEM. BTS knowing and listening to their bo∂ιєs and setting healthy boundaries makes me soooo f*cking happy
- My tannies giving themselves grace, honoring their limitations, and prioritizing their health and what’s most important to them!!! they’ve come so far!!! i’m so proud them!!!!
- I love the fact that BTS are prioritizing their health they have over 80+ shows and more to do for this tour, they came grace us with their presence and accepted their awards, i hope they rest well, i love them so much continue to take care of yourselves loves.
- The fact that they even went and accepted their awards and presented was more than enough to send us over the moon. Rest well, bud∂ιєs!!!
