K-pop’s BTS snags top prize at American Music Awards

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 (US): K-Pop group BTS was the big winner at the American Music Awards on Sunday, just four years after their debut on the fan-voted show.

Reuters reports that the seven-member group from South Korea beat veteran Taylor Swift, rapper Drake, pop singer Ariana Grande, teenage phenom Olivia Rodrigo and Canadian The Weeknd to win the biggest award tonight – Artist of the Year.

Adored by an army of ardent fans, they were also called their favorite pop band and won Best Pop Song for their summer song “Butter”.

The band, known for their positive up-and-coming music, was called their Artist of the Year with a miracle win.

“We are really honored to be on stage with such amazing and amazing artists,” said Kim Nam-Joon, better known as RM.

Referring to the band’s fans, he added, “It’s been a long and amazing journey…No one could have bet the odds of us standing here and receiving this award, except for all of you.”

BTS concluded the show with a performance of “Butter” and earlier joined Coldplay on stage to perform their single “My Universe,” marking a post-pandemic return to the K-pop group’s live performances.

Swift was among several top performers nominated, including Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and Drake, who did not attend Sunday’s party.

She received awards for Favorite Female Artist and Best Pop Album for her blockbuster album “Evermore”.

“I am so lucky to be in your life, to have me in my life,” Swift told fans in a video acceptance speech.

First-time host Cardi B implemented a series of extravagant costume changes and admitted she was worried about messing around.

“I’m a little nervous. I’m shivering,” rapper Bodak Yellow said, wearing a head-to-toe black feather headdress as she opened the show.

Rodrigo, 18, who appeared on the charts in January, had gone to Sunday’s show with seven groundbreaking nods, but ended up with just one artist – Best New Artist.

Doja Cat has received three awards, including a “Kiss Me More” award for collaboration with SZA. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion has also won three times including favorite hip-hop artist.

The New Edition and New Kids on the Block brought some ’80s nostalgia when they took to the stage together to promote their comeback, Jennifer Lopez sang her new song “On My Way,” and Italian Eurovision winners Maneskin performed a rock version of the Sixties Four Seasons. Hit “Beggin”.

The nominees were based on Billboard’s music chart performance, broadcast and album sales, radio playback and social media engagement, and the winners were chosen entirely by fans.

MI