BTS reunite at 2026 American Music Awards, win Artist of the Year

K-pop group BTS returned to the American Music Awards stage after four years with a special appearance at the 2026 ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The seven-member group opened the Memorial Day awards show yesterday with a pre-recorded performance of “Hooligan”, filmed during their concert the night before as part of their ongoing Arirang World Tour.

Around 90 minutes later, BTS made a live appearance on stage in front of a cheering audience, marking their first awards show appearance in four years.

“We are so happy to be back together at the AMAs again,” RM said on stage.

During the ceremony, BTS also presented the award for Best Female R&B Artist to SZA, who expressed excitement at meeting the group.

BTS received three nominations — Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer, and Best Male K-pop Artist. The group won both Artist of the Year and Song of the Summer for “Swim”, returning to the stage twice more to accept the awards.

At the time of the AMAs appearance, BTS were already in Las Vegas as part of a series of sold-out concerts at Allegiant Stadium under their Arirang World Tour. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook performed on May 23 and 24, with additional shows scheduled for May 27 and 28.

As part of the BTS “The City” activation during Memorial Day weekend, fireworks lit up the MGM Grand on Saturday night. The Las Vegas Strip also turned red at 11:00pm local time through a partnership with Visit Las Vegas, while casino marquees displayed the message, “Las Vegas Welcomes BTS.” The nearby Sphere also featured “Arirang” as part of its rotating display schedule.

BTS are expected to continue their Arirang World Tour throughout the year. In July, the group is set to join Madonna and Shakira for the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, marking the first halftime performance in the history of a FIFA World Cup Final.

The American Music Awards were originally created by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Corporation through a joint venture with Eldridge.