LAS VEGAS – South Korean seven-piece BTS have won artist of the year at the American Music Awards (AMAs) for the second consecutive year, cementing their status as one of the world’s biggest bands. The award, considered the ceremony’s grand prize, is just the latest crown jewel for the so-called kings of K-pop, who have been on a $1bn world tour since returning from a nearly four-year hiatus in March. BTS also won song of the summer for their album’s lead single Swim and best male K-pop artist, while label partners Katseye were dubbed new artist of the year. Golden, the viral single from the animated hit film K-Pop Demon Hunters, was named song of the year, while Sabrina Carpenter won album of the year for Man’s Best Friend. Carpenter also won best female pop artist and best pop album, while Justin Bieber was named best male pop artist. BTS beat artists including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga in the artist category, as well as the likes of Harry Styles, Tame Impala and PinkPantheress in the song category. Swift, who holds the record for the most AMA wins, went into this year’s awards with eight nominations but came home empty-handed.
But PinkPantheress didn’t miss out, picking up collaboration of the year for Stateside with Zara Larsson. Larsson, who performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland over the weekend, also won breakthrough album of the year for Midnight Sun. Katseye also won two other prizes – best music video for Gnarly and breakthrough pop artist, while Huntrix also picked up best vocal performance, and best pop song. EJAE added to that with a win for best soundtrack for KPop Demon Hunters. While she attended alongside Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna was unable to make it due to work commitments.
Rock veteran Billy Idol received the lifetime achievement award, having recently also found out he is to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “We thought it may last only about six months, let alone 50 years,” Idol said, before going on to performing 80s hits including White Wedding and Eyes Without a Face. The Black Eyed Peas picked up best throwback song for Rock That Body, the single from The E.N.D., the band’s 2009 album.
Singer Fergie left the group in 2018 but there was an emotional – and surprise – reunion at the event in Las Vegas.
“What a moment,” she said on the stage, holding hands with her fellow former bandmates. “I want to thank all of the fans for voting for this so I can stand up here right now with my longtime friends and brothers, the Black Eyed Peas. In honour of this special song, this era, Rock That Body, there’s so many memories along the line with that. “I want to thank everyone who made TikToks and Instagram videos and making this moment possible so that my son would put our song on his playlist,” she joked.
