K-Pop superstars of the band BTS were the big winners at the American Music Awards on Sunday only four years since making their first appearance on the fan-voted show.
The seven-member band from South Korea beat veteran Taylor Swift, pop singer Ariana Grande, rapper Drake, teen phenomenon Olivia Rodrigo as well as The Weeknd for the biggest honor of the night – artist of the year.
Loved by an army of hardcore fans, they also bagged the favorite pop group and won the best pop song for their smash hit Butter.
The band famous for its uplifting music, described the artist of the year win a miracle with Kim Nam-Joon saying, “We’re truly honored to be on this stage with such amazing, tremendous artists”.
The leader of the group, Namjoon added, “It’s been a long and amazing ride … nobody could have ever bet on the odds of us standing here and receiving this award, except you all”.
BTS closed the show with a performance of Butter. Earlier in the show, the band also joined Coldplay on stage for a rendition of their single My Universe, which marked the first live performance of the band since the pandemic began.
Swift along with several top artists were nominated for various awards as well. She won the trophies for a favorite female artist and best pop album for her lockdown album Evermore.
In a video acceptance speech, Swift said, “I’m so lucky to be in your life, and to get to have you in mine”.
First-time host Cardi B pulled off a series of costume changes and confessed she was nervous about the job. She said, “I’m a little nervous. I’m shaking”.
Rodrigo, 18, who joined the charts in January, had gone into Sunday’s show with a leading seven nominations but ended up winning just one best new artist.
Doja Cat won three awards, including for her Kiss Me More collaboration with SZA. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion also bagged three including favorite female hip-hop artist.
New Edition and New Kids on the Block brought some 1980s nostalgia when they took the stage together to promote their comebacks, Jennifer Lopez sang her new ballad On My Way, and Italian Eurovision song contest winners Maneskin delivered a rock version of 1960s Four Seasons hit Beggin’.
The nominees were based on Billboard music chart performance, streaming and album sales, radio play, and social media engagement, and the winners were chosen entirely by fans.
