INTERNATIONAL: Four years after making their first appearance on the fan-voted show, South Korean superstars BTS were finally crowned artist of the year at the American Music Awards on Sunday, brushing aside challenges from veteran Taylor Swift, rapper Drake, pop singer Ariana Grande, teen phenomenon Olivia Rodrigo and Canadian The Weeknd as they took home a total of three awards.
Adored by an army of fervent fans, they also were named favorite pop group and won best pop song for their summer hit "Butter." The seven-member band is known for its positive uplifting music.
The band says that they are truly honored to be on this stage with such amazing, tremendous artists. For them, it's been a long and amazing ride. Kim Nam-joon, better known by his stage name RM, the leader of BTS, has mentioned that nobody could have ever bet on the odds of standing infront of everyone and receiving the award, except their fans.
BTS has closed the show with a performance of "Butter" and earlier joined Coldplay on stage for a rendition of their single "My Universe," marking a post-pandemic return to live performances for the K-pop band.
First-time host Cardi B pulled off a series of extravagant costume changes and confessed she was worried about messing up. Olivia Rodrigo, who burst onto the charts in January, had gone into Sunday's show with a leading seven nods, but ended up with just one - best new artist.
Doja Cat picked up three awards, including for her "Kiss Me More" collaboration with SZA. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion also won 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.
