7-Way Tie for Most Awards at 2026 American Music Awards
The 52nd American Music Awards (AMA) took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 25, according to the official AMA website. Fans nominated their favorite artists for many genres like alternative, k-pop, latin, pop, hip hop, and others. Queen Latifah hosted this year’s AMA for the second time, as she had co-hosted the 1995 AMAs. BTS, KATSEYE, Kpop Demon Hunters, Sombr, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, and Cardi B tied for most awarded with 3 awards each.
Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) from the HYBE corporation won artist of the year, song of the summer with their hit ‘SWIM,’ and best male k-pop artist, while KATSEYE won new artist of the year, best music video with their song ‘Gnarly,’ and breakthrough pop artist, showing the HYBE, a Korean music corporation, k-pop influence over this year’s ceremony. The singing voices behind Kpop Demon Hunters, including EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, also won song of the year, best pop song, and best vocals all with ‘Golden.’
Sombr won best rock/alternative song with his breakthrough hit ‘back to friends,’ breakthrough rock/alternative artist, and best rock/alternative album (I Barely Know Her), showing his influence in the rock and alternative genre. Sabrina Carpenter also strengthened her footing in the pop music world with album of the year and best pop album, ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ and best female pop artist. Bruno Mars continued his multiple award performance with his album ‘The Romantic,’ winning best R&B album and song (I Just Might from The Romantic) along with best R&B artist. Cardi B flourished in the hip-hop section with best female hip-hop artist, best hip-hop album, ‘AM I THE DRAMA?’, and best hip-hop song, ‘ErrTime.’
Taylor Swift had been entered in eight categories in the AMAs; however, she did not win any to the disappointment of the Swifties fan base, but she still holds the title for most won titles, with 40 AMAs. Swift was not present at the ceremony.
The 2026 American Music Awards showcased the best artists in 2026, with BTS, KATSEYE, Sombr, Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars, and Cardi B. This award ceremony highlighted the diverse genres of talent shaping today’s music industry.