K-pop supergroup BTS took home the Artist of the Year award for the second time at this year’s American Music Awards.
During their acceptance speech, the group dedicated the milestone to fans who have supported them from their debut to their return after completing their mandatory military service.
“ARMYs, we made it once again! Thank you. It’s an honor to have this precious award once again after everybody (has) done their military service,” RM proudly said.
He went on, “Like the legendary Busta Rhymes said, this is a fame voted award so our biggest thanks and gratitude as always, goes to the ARMYs all over the world who stood by us for the past 13 years. Thank you so much.”
j-hope also credited fans for the success of the group’s comeback album, Arirang, which topped charts and trended worldwide in recent months.
“We have been overwhelmed by the reaction to this album. Honestly, thank you for embracing Arirang and every single song on this album that you helped chart for real. Thank you! We are so grateful,” he said.
The members also expressed their appreciation to fans attending their ongoing world tour and celebrating the group’s long-awaited return from hiatus.
“Thank you all for passionately following us on tour and showing so much love in every city. Thank you, ARMYs! We love you,” Jimin said.
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With the win, BTS joined One Direction and Justin Bieber as artists who have won Artist of the Year twice at the AMAs. The group first received the award in 2021.
Aside from Artist of the Year, BTS also won Best Male K-pop Artist and Song of the Summer for their track “SWIM” from Arirang.
“Thank you so much for giving all the love for 'SWIM.' When we made this album, we had a lot of pressure and we were trying to figure out what kind of music felt the most like us right now. But, the only thing we believe then is we have to keep challenging and keep moving forward,” RM said during their acceptance speech.
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V also thanked the people behind the track, as well as listeners who connected with its message, saying: “And to everyone out there who keeps on swimming no matter what, we send you our love and support.”
BTS is currently on their Arirang World Tour, with upcoming performances in Las Vegas this May before heading to Europe and South America. The group will then continue with Asian tour stops in November 2026 and Australian shows in February 2027.
The group is also set to return to the Philippines for a much-anticipated two-night concert on March 13 and 14, 2027, at the Philippine Sports Stadium.