BTS win big as Black Eyed Peas reunite at American Music Awards
BTS win big as Black Eyed Peas reunite at American Music Awards
BTS win big as Black Eyed – The American Music Awards (AMAs) concluded with a significant victory for the South Korean seven-member group BTS, who secured the coveted artist of the year title for the second year in a row. This triumph has further solidified their reputation as one of the most influential acts in global music. The award, often regarded as the night’s most prestigious honor, marks yet another milestone in the group’s meteoric rise following their return from a near-four-year break in March. Their world tour, valued at $1 billion, has seen them dominate international stages and fanbases alike.
BTS’s Dominance and Other Highlights
Beyond the artist of the year accolade, BTS also claimed the song of the summer title for their album’s lead single “Swim” and was recognized as the best male K-pop artist. Their label partners, Katseye, were honored with the new artist of the year award, highlighting the broader K-pop landscape. Meanwhile, the animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” contributed to the night with “Golden” earning the song of the year designation. Sabrina Carpenter, on the other hand, took home album of the year for her project “Man’s Best Friend,” alongside best female pop artist and best pop album.
Justin Bieber was named best male pop artist, completing a mix of established and emerging names in the awards. BTS’s achievement in the artist category outshone competitors such as Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga. In the song category, they triumphed over artists like Harry Styles, Tame Impala, and PinkPantheress, who won collaboration of the year for “Stateside” with Zara Larsson. Larsson, who performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland over the weekend, also captured breakthrough album of the year for “Midnight Sun.”
Reunion and Nostalgia at the AMAs
The Black Eyed Peas made a surprising return to the stage, clinching the best throwback song award for “Rock That Body” from their 2009 album *The E.N.D.*. Though Fergie had departed the group in 2018, the reunion in Las Vegas was met with emotional applause and fan enthusiasm. “What a moment,” she said, as she joined her former bandmates on the podium. “I want to thank all of the fans for voting for this so I can stand up here right now with my longtime friends and brothers, the Black Eyed Peas.” Fergie expressed gratitude for the collective memories tied to the track, including the viral impact of its reemergence in recent years.
The Pussycat Dolls also embraced nostalgia, delivering a high-energy rendition of their 2005 hit “Don’t Cha” and featuring a cameo by Busta Rhymes. The performer highlighted their enduring appeal with a medley of their greatest hits. Meanwhile, Teddy Swims showcased his popular tracks, including “Mr. Know It All,” during his set. Other notable winners included Sombr, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, and Bad Bunny, while Twice and Shakira added to the list of victors.
Queen Latifah and the Night’s Performances
Queen Latifah served as the night’s host, balancing wit and warmth as she guided the event. The AMAs featured a range of performances, from Katseye’s energetic displays to the nostalgic sets of Keith Urban, New Kids on the Block, and Twenty One Pilots. Sombr, in particular, stood out by winning three awards, including best rock/alternative song for “Back to Friends.” During her acceptance speech, she reflected on the song’s origins: “I wrote this track when I was 19, alone in my bedroom, feeling down. So being here, I never would have expected that.”
While the AMAs typically prioritize commercial success, this year’s winners were determined entirely by public ballots cast through the official website and social media platforms. This voting system turned the event into a fierce contest between dedicated fanbases, with BTS’s Army arguably being the most passionate. The group’s fanbase, known as the Army, represents Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth and spans dozens of countries. Their unwavering support has played a critical role in BTS’s global dominance, from flooding radio stations with song requests to orchestrating digital campaigns that boost streaming rankings.
Fans Fuel the Success
The loyalty of the BTS Army has become a defining feature of the group’s career. Millions of fans worldwide follow the band’s every move, with members Jung Kook, Jimin, V, Suga, RM, Jin, and j-hope commanding widespread attention. From stadium appearances to viral social media moments, the Army’s influence is evident in the group’s sustained popularity. Their efforts have not only driven record sales but also shaped the broader K-pop industry’s trajectory.
Other acts, such as Katseye, also benefited from their growing fanbases. The group, which joined the winners’ list, added two more accolades—best music video for “Gnarly” and breakthrough pop artist. Meanwhile, Huntrix claimed best vocal performance, and best pop song went to a different artist. EJAE, too, was recognized for best soundtrack with “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Though the event brought together many artists, some were absent due to personal commitments, such as Audrey Nuna, who couldn’t attend alongside Rei Ami.
Legacy and Recognition
Rock veteran Billy Idol received the lifetime achievement award, a testament to his enduring influence in the music world. The honor came just days before his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a milestone he described as a “surprise” and “bittersweet.” “We thought it may last only about six months, let alone 50 years,” Idol remarked before launching into performances of classic tracks like “White Wedding” and “Eyes Without a Face.” His appearance underscored the blend of past and present that defines the AMAs.
The event’s voting process, which relies on public ballots rather than industry panels, has made it a unique celebration of fan-driven success. This year, the BTS Army’s relentless support was a key factor in the group’s multiple wins. Their global following ensures that every release and performance generates massive attention, creating a dynamic energy that resonates across platforms and cultures. As the AMAs continue to evolve, the role of dedicated fanbases in shaping the awards’ outcomes remains central.