K-pop group BTS clinch artist of the year at 2026 American Music Awards

South Korean pop phenomenon BTS added to their already considerable collection of global accolades at the 52nd American Music Awards, claiming the coveted artist of the year prize alongside a win for song of the summer for their track "SWIM" at a ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The group's victory in the top category marks one of the most significant achievements in the awards' five-decade history for a non-English language act. BTS, comprising members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, have spent more than a decade dismantling Western music market barriers, and their continued dominance at American award ceremonies reflects a global appetite for Korean pop that shows no sign of cooling.

In Kenya, the K-pop fandom has grown substantially over the past decade, with dedicated BTS fan clubs operating in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other urban centres. Known locally as the "Kenyan ARMY" — referencing the group's official global fanbase name — supporters organised viewing parties for the awards broadcast, with reactions flooding Kenyan entertainment social media accounts within hours of the results being announced.

The song of the summer award for "SWIM" capped a strong commercial year for the group, with the track performing well on streaming platforms globally, including on Boomplay, the music platform dominant across several African markets including Kenya.

This year's AMAs also recognised a number of other international acts, reflecting the ceremony's broadening scope beyond its traditional American pop and country roots. Full results drew extensive coverage in Kenyan entertainment media the following morning.