K-pop group BTS delivered an emotional message of gratitude to their global fanbase, known as ARMY, after winning Artist of the Year at the 52nd American Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25.
The group secured wins in all three categories they were nominated for—Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer for “Swim,” and Best Male K-Pop Artist—marking one of the night’s most dominant performances. With their latest Artist of the Year victory, BTS became only the fourth act in AMAs history to win the category multiple times, joining Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and One Direction. Their first win in the category came in 2021.
Accepting the award onstage, RM credited the win to fans worldwide, emphasizing the group’s long-standing relationship with ARMY. “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,” he said, highlighting the fan-voted nature of the honor and expressing gratitude for the group’s 13-year journey with their supporters.
BTS attended the ceremony shortly after completing two shows of their “Arirang” world tour at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, underscoring a major return to the global stage as they continue their post-hiatus touring cycle.