BTS makes triumphant return, Taylor Swift leaves empty-handed
If there were any doubts that BTS would return to the stage after a years-long hiatus, the 52nd American Music Awards cleared them up.
The mega-popular K-Pop group took home the biggest award of the night, best artist, for their new album. Arirang, A win that the crowd approved by enthusiastically chanting their names. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s name was nowhere to be heard (or seen).
“We’ve done it once again,” BTS member RM said as he accepted the coveted award in Las Vegas on Tuesday (AEST). “It is an honor for us to be deemed worthy of this valuable award after everyone else. [has] He did his military service… Our greatest thanks and gratitude goes to ‘THE ARMY’ [fans] “They are the ones who have been with us all over the world for 13 years.”
BTS also won the best male K-Pop artist award and song of summer gong for their track. To swimis the lead single from their first album since returning to the spotlight earlier this year. It was covered in their leather opening performance Hooligan This really angered the crowd though.
The seven-member group, largely known for bringing K-Pop to global audiences, temporarily disbanded in 2022 to complete mandatory South Korean military service. However, they returned to the scene in March and hit the top of the charts. Arirang and has fans excited after the announcement of her world tour.
Reaction to their new album was mixed — indicative of the fragmented and saturated K-Pop industry they’re returning to — but their success at the AMAs seemingly confirms their continued appeal and repositions them as a global force to be reckoned with.
They edged out AMA veteran Swift, who failed to win any trophies despite being the most nominated, continuing her dry run from last year. (Swift remains the award ceremony’s most awarded artist with 40 awards to her name.)
Even his chart-topping hit Ophelia’s Fate Got no love, lost to HUNTR/X twice Gold – First in the song of the year category and then in the best pop song category.
Gold It won three awards at the AMAs, another shining moment for K-Pop. Beyond song of the year and best pop song, HUNTR/X members EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami were also awarded best vocal performance. Song featured in Netflix’s record-breaking animated movie K-Pop Demon Huntersit also won the Academy Award for best original song this year.
If you’re confused about how BTS and HUNTR/X, two decidedly un-American bands, could stand out so much at the American Music Awards, you’re not alone. Despite its name, the AMAs are open to artists from all over the world. The only requirement is that their music be released and distributed in the United States.
KATSEYE continued the theme throughout the ceremony, hosted by Queen Latifah (who last hosted 31 years ago), and took home the award for best new artist. Technically a global group, KATSEYE is co-managed by South Korean entertainment giant HYBE (which also manages BTS), making it arguably another triumph for K-Pop.
Sabrina Carpenter, who wowed the crowd alongside Madonna at Coachella last month, won album of the year for her deliciously sassy song. Man’s Best Friendbest pop album and best female pop artist. Justin Bieber was named best pop artist, his first award in years that has been largely absent from the spotlight.
Y2K-coded pop princess Zara Larsson received the award for breakthrough album of the year. Midnight Sun and collaboration of the year America sideReleased with PinkPantheress.
In a particularly nostalgic moment for Millennials, The Black Eyed Peas took the stage together to accept the award for best nostalgic song. Rock That Body.
In fact, it was a throwback night after all. The night was capped off with standout hits from the past by Hootie & the Blowfish (who haven’t performed at the AMAs in nearly three decades), The Pussycat Dolls, Busta Rhymes, and New Kids on the Block.
But perhaps the cutest of all was Billy Idol, who thrilled the crowd with his rendition of both after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 50 years in the industry. Faceless Eyes And Dancing With Myself. The 70-year-old punk rocker still has it.
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Nell Geraets is Culture correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
