The 52nd American Music Awards is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet for K-pop, with global superstars and rising rookies dominating nominations across major categories.
Leading the charge is BTS, which earned three major nominations including the prestigious Artist of the Year category. The group also picked up nominations for Best Male K-Pop Artist and Song of the Summer with its hit track “Swim” from the album Arirang.
This marks BTS’ second time competing for Artist of the Year after making history in 2021 as the first Korean act to win the award. This year, BTS faces intense competition from global stars including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and Harry Styles.
Fans are also eagerly anticipating BTS’ return to the AMAs stage, as the group is expected to attend the ceremony in person for the first time in five years.
KATSEYE’s Global Rise Continues
One of the biggest breakout acts of the year is KATSEYE, the multinational girl group created through the collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records.
KATSEYE earned nominations for:
- New Artist of the Year
- Breakthrough Pop Artist
- Best Music Video for “Gnarly”
The rookie group will also perform at the ceremony alongside artists including Twenty One Pilots and Teddy Swims.
Despite debuting less than two years ago, KATSEYE has already made a massive global impact. Songs like “Gabriela,” “Internet Girl,” and “Gnarly” all entered the Billboard Hot 100, while their newest release “Pinky Up” continues charting strongly.
K-Pop Expands Beyond Idol Groups
K-pop’s influence at this year’s AMAs goes beyond traditional idol acts.
Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters received a nomination for Best Soundtrack. Meanwhile, “Golden” by fictional girl group Huntrix earned nominations for:
- Song of the Year
- Best Pop Song
- Best Vocal Performance
BLACKPINK member Jennie also secured a nomination thanks to her remix collaboration “Dracula” with Tame Impala, competing directly against BTS’ “Swim” in the Song of the Summer category.
Fierce Competition in K-Pop Categories
The Best Male K-Pop Artist category features some of the industry’s biggest names:
- Stray Kids
- ATEEZ
- ENHYPEN
- Tomorrow X Together
- BTS
Meanwhile, the Best Female K-Pop Artist lineup includes:
- aespa
- BLACKPINK
- ILLIT
- LE SSERAFIM
- TWICE
HYBE’s Massive Presence at the AMAs
Artists connected to HYBE Labels were especially dominant this year. BTS, KATSEYE, TXT, ENHYPEN, ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM all received nominations, highlighting HYBE’s expanding influence across the global music industry.
Even beyond K-pop, HYBE America-affiliated artists including Quavo, BigXthaPlug and Tyla earned nominations in hip-hop, country, R&B and Afrobeats categories.
Unlike many music award shows that rely heavily on industry voting panels, the AMAs are based on fan-driven metrics such as streaming numbers, album sales, radio airplay and tour revenue. As a result, this year’s nominations reflect the explosive global demand for K-pop more than ever before.
The 2026 American Music Awards will take place on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment:
The 2026 AMAs prove that K-pop is no longer a niche genre in the global music industry — it is now one of its driving forces. From BTS’ continued dominance to KATSEYE’s explosive rise and even fictional K-pop acts earning mainstream recognition, Korean pop culture continues expanding far beyond traditional boundaries. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as K-pop artists once again take center stage in Las Vegas.
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