The 2026 American Music Awards ended with an unusually balanced winners’ list as seven different acts secured three awards each during Monday night’s ceremony in Las Vegas.
Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and aired on CBS and Paramount+, the 52nd edition of the AMAs celebrated achievements across pop, hip-hop, country, R&B, Latin, K-pop, Afrobeats, and rock music. Fans determined the winners through public voting in dozens of categories.
K-pop powerhouse BTS emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the prestigious Artist of the Year award alongside victories in other categories. The group’s success highlighted the growing global influence of K-pop acts at major American music events.
Sabrina Carpenter, Cardi B, Bruno Mars, KATSEYE, rock artist sombr, and the vocal trio behind “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters also earned three awards apiece. The singers behind HUNTR/X — EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna, won Song of the Year and Best Vocal Performance for the track.
Veteran entertainer Queen Latifah hosted the ceremony, returning to the AMAs stage 31 years after co-hosting the show in 1995.
Among the early winners, sombr claimed Best Rock/Alternative Song for “back to friends,” while Karol G secured Best Latin Album for Tropicoqueta.
Taylor Swift entered the ceremony as the most-nominated artist with eight nominations announced earlier this year. However, she did not win in any category during the broadcast.
This year’s AMAs also introduced 12 new categories, including Song of the Summer, Best Throwback Song, Best Vocal Performance, and several breakthrough artist honors designed to spotlight emerging talent.
Special honors were also presented during the event. Karol G received the International Artist Award of Excellence, while rock icon Billy Idol was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Country singer Darius Rucker earned the Veterans Voice Award.
The ceremony’s “AMAs Salute” initiative, linked to Memorial Day observances, partnered with several military and veterans organizations, including the USO and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Major Winners at the 2026 AMAs
- 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”
- New Artist of the Year: KATSEYE
- Best Female Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B
- Best Male R&B Artist: Bruno Mars
- Best Female R&B Artist: SZA
- Best Afrobeats Artist: Tyla
- Tour of the Year: Shakira — Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
- Best Male K-Pop Artist: BTS
- Best Female K-Pop Artist: TWICE
The 2026 AMAs reflected the increasing global reach of contemporary music, with K-pop, Latin music, Afrobeats, and crossover collaborations taking center stage throughout the night.
