The seven-member group defeated a heavyweight field including Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber to claim the fan-voted grand prize at the ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The victory marked BTS’ second Artist of the Year win at the AMAs after becoming the first Asian act to receive the honor in 2021 with the global hit “Butter.”
The group also won Song of the Summer for “SWIM,” one of the lead tracks from ARIRANG, continuing a comeback year that has rapidly restored BTS to the center of the global pop industry following a multiyear hiatus caused by mandatory military service in South Korea.
“All seven members have completed military service, and it is an honor to receive this precious award once again,” leader RM told the audience during the acceptance speech. “Our biggest gratitude always goes to ARMY for the past 13 years.”
Members j-hope, Jimin, Jin and Jung Kook also thanked fans for embracing the new album and supporting the group during its ongoing world tour.
The appearance came as BTS continued a four-night concert run in Las Vegas that began May 23, with additional shows scheduled later this week. The concerts are part of the group’s massive ARIRANG World Tour, spanning 82 shows across 34 cities.
Released in March, ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top Album Sales charts, remaining atop the rankings for three consecutive weeks. The album marked BTS’ first full-group studio release since all members completed military service last year and resumed group activities.
Since first winning at the American Music Awards in 2018 with Favorite Social Artist, BTS has accumulated more than a dozen AMA trophies including Favorite Pop Duo or Group, Favorite K-pop Artist and Tour of the Year, becoming one of the most decorated Asian acts in the history of the awards show.
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