BTS Sweeps and Shakira Shines: Here Is the Full Map of the 2026 American Music Awards

American Music Awards 2026

BTS Leads the Night

Shakira Wins Tour Award

The 52nd edition of the American Music Awards was held on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, in a night marked by major comebacks, multiple premieres, and a winners list that made clear the global dominance of pop and K-pop.

BTS became the most repeated name of the ceremony after winning Artist of the Year, one of the gala’s most important honors.

The South Korean group also won Song of the Summer for “Swim,” the lead single from their album ARIRANG, and opened the show with a performance of “Hooligan.”

After the broadcast, it was also confirmed that BTS won the award for Favorite Male K-Pop Artist, consolidating their absolute prominence during the evening.

Sabrina Carpenter and HUNTR/X Dominate the General Categories

American Music Awards 2026: BTS Sweeps and Shakira Shines-Photo: Shutterstock

In the main categories, Sabrina Carpenter won Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend, beating figures such as Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.

Song of the Year went to “Golden,” performed by HUNTR/X — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — which also won Favorite Pop Song and Favorite Vocal Performance.

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The New Artist of the Year award went to KATSEYE, who later returned to the stage to receive the award for Favorite Music Video for “Gnarly.”

In Collaboration of the Year, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson were honored for “Stateside,” while Tyla triumphed in Social Song of the Year with “CHANEL.”

Shakira Leads in Tours and Country Shares Its Trophies

One of the standout moments was Shakira’s victory for Tour of the Year with “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour,” defeating Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Oasis.

In the country section, Morgan Wallen was chosen as Favorite Male Country Artist, while Ella Langley won Favorite Female Country Artist and also took Favorite Country Song for “Choosin’ Texas.”

Megan Moroney won Favorite Country Album with Cloud 9, and Zac Brown Band won Favorite Country Duo or Group.

Sam Barber was recognized as Favorite Breakthrough Country Artist, consolidating a strong presence for the genre at the ceremony.

Cardi B, Bruno Mars, and Bad Bunny Stand Out by Genre

In hip-hop, Cardi B dominated the female category and won Favorite Hip-Hop Song with “ErrTime,” as well as Favorite Hip-Hop Album for AM I THE DRAMA?

Kendrick Lamar was chosen as Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist, while Monaleo took home the award for Favorite Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist.

In R&B, Bruno Mars earned the awards for Favorite Male Artist, Favorite R&B Song with “I Just Might,” and Favorite R&B Album for The Romantic.

SZA was recognized as Favorite Female R&B Artist, reaffirming her place in today’s music scene.

Latin Power and the Rise of K-Pop

In the Latin categories, Bad Bunny won Favorite Male Latin Artist and Favorite Latin Song for “NUEVAYoL.”

Shakira returned to the stage after winning Favorite Female Latin Artist, while Fuerza Regida won Favorite Latin Duo or Group.

KAROL G won Favorite Latin Album with Tropicoqueta, completing a strong night for Spanish-language music.

In K-pop, BTS led in the male category, TWICE was chosen as Favorite Female Artist, and the genre’s global impact was once again strongly felt on the Las Vegas stage.

With multiple genres represented and new categories incorporated, the American Music Awards 2026 left a clear picture: the music market is increasingly diverse and global, and its leading figures come from every corner of the world, according to Billboard.