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BTS arrive at the 52nd American Music Awards. CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced Wednesday that the supergroup will make a special appearance at the annual ceremony on Memorial Day.
It will be a triumphant return: BTS made their US television performance debut at the AMAs in 2017 and took the stage again in 2021 – that night they made history when they won the coveted title of Artist of the Year. The eleven-time AMA winners have the chance to further expand their trophy collection this year: They are nominated in the categories Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer and Best Male K-Pop Artist.
Last month, BTS launched their extensive “Arirang” world tour in support of their sixth studio album “Arirang” – their first LP in nearly four years after all seven members completed their compulsory military service in South Korea. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved record-breaking initial sales: 641,000 copies in its first week – the most by a group since Billboard began tracking streaming in 2014 – including 532,000 in pure album sales.
Number one worldwide
The album’s lead single, “Swim,” climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100; The song stayed at the top of the Billboard Global 200 for four weeks. This summer, the group is also announced as co-headlining the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in July – alongside Shakira and Madonna.
The American Music Awards open May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on Paramount+ and CBS starting at 8 p.m. ET. Queen Latifah, who last hosted the show 30 years ago, is taking the reins again. Taylor Swift leads the nomination field with eight nominations, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean and Sombr follow closely behind her with seven nominations each.
Performances are scheduled to include Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Billy Idol, International Artist Award of Excellence recipient Karol G, Hootie and the Blowfish, Katseye, Keith Urban, Maluma, the Pussycat Dolls and Busta Rhymes, Riley Green, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, Twenty One Pilots and other artists.
Dick Clark Productions is part of Penske Media Corp., the parent company of ROLLING STONE.
