BTS Makes Historic Appearance at 52nd American Music Awards — First US Award Show in Four Years

BTS makes their first US televised award show appearance in approximately four years at the 52nd American Music Awards, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day) — the same city as their ongoing ARIRANG World Tour residency at Allegiant Stadium. Hosted by Queen Latifah, the ceremony airs live on CBS. BTS holds three nominations: Artist of the Year (competing against Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter), Song of the Summer ('SWIM', competing against Harry Styles' 'American Girls' and Taylor Swift's 'Elizabeth Taylor'), and Best Male K-Pop Artist. Gold Derby and major entertainment outlets had BTS favored for Artist of the Year over Taylor Swift entering the ceremony. The convergence of the ARIRANG World Tour's Las Vegas residency and the AMAs — both at Las Vegas venues — makes May 25 a landmark day for BTS's long-awaited full return to the global stage. May 25 is a rest day between Tour Nights 2 (May 24) and 3 (May 27), with BTS making the AMAs their evening focus. The appearance marks the first time all seven members have attended a US awards ceremony together since their Permission to Dance on Stage era.