A temporary hiatus did nothing to diminish the global devotion of BTS fans. The iconic group claimed the coveted Artist of the Year trophy at the 52nd annual American Music Awards on Monday night. Consequently, this victory marks the second time the group has secured the fan-voted honor, and their first major award since taking a break for mandatory military service. They previously achieved the historic milestone in 2021.
The global music landscape continues to see massive waves of enthusiasm. Rising girl group KATSEYE drew intense levels of fan passion, safely capturing the New Artist of the Year award. The competition for the breakout trophy was incredibly fierce, with newly minted stars Sombr, Olivia Dean, Ella Langley, Leon Thomas, and Alex Warren all fighting for the honor.
Sombr and “KPop Demon Hunters” Clean Up Major Categories
Despite missing out on the best new artist prize, alternative singer Sombr did not go home empty-handed. Following an electrifying live performance on the broadcast, he took multiple trips to the podium. He officially walked away with trophies for Best Rock/Alternative Song for his hit “Back to Friends,” alongside Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her.
Additionally, the worldwide fervor for the animated phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters was heavily rewarded. The movie’s breakout anthem, “Golden,” performed by the fictional group HUNTR/X and sung by real-world artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, secured the prestigious Song of the Year honor.
Post-Broadcast Reveals Highlight Off-Air Winners
Major Category Winners Breakdown:
• Artist of the Year: BTS
• New Artist of the Year: KATSEYE
• Song of the Year: "Golden" – EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami
• Album of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
This year, the AMAs strictly handed out trophies during the live CBS and Paramount+ telecast to artists who were physically present at the venue. Due to this policy, several premier general categories were revealed online after the broadcast concluded.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter captured the coveted Album of the Year award for Man’s Best Friend. This win was one of three total accolades awarded to Carpenter throughout the evening, though her trophies were confirmed after the cameras stopped rolling.
Full List of 52nd Annual American Music Award General Winners
- Artist of the Year: BTS
- New Artist of the Year: KATSEYE
- Album of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
- Song of the Year: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
- Collaboration of the Year: PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
- Social Song of the Year: Tyla – “CHANEL”
- Best Music Video: KATSEYE – “Gnarly”
- Best Soundtrack: KPop Demon Hunters
- Tour of the Year: Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
- Breakout Tour: Benson Boone – American Heart World Tour
- Breakthrough Album of the Year: Zara Larsson – Midnight Sun
- Best Throwback Song: Black Eyed Peas – “Rock That Body”
- Best Vocal Performance: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
- Song of the Summer: BTS – “SWIM”