BTS set to return to 2026 AMAs

BTS is set to return to the American Music Awards on Monday, May 25, after organizers confirmed a “special appearance” by the group at the 2026 ceremony. The appearance would mark BTS’s first award-show attendance in four years, according to reports from The Korea Herald and Chosun. The group is also nominated for three awards this year, including Artist of the Year. The 52nd AMAs will air live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS and Paramount+, with Queen Latifah hosting. ### How was BTS’s return confirmed? The American Music Awards lineup page lists “Special Appearance By BTS” for the May 25 broadcast. Deadline reported on May 20 that BTS had been confirmed for a special appearance at the ceremony, and UPI separately reported that the group would appear Monday at the AMAs. The Korea Herald said the appearance would be BTS’s first AMAs return in four years. (deadline.com) Chosun also reported that the group would attend the 2026 show in Las Vegas. ### Which awards is BTS up for this year? The 2026 AMAs nominees page lists BTS in three categories: Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer and Best Male K-Pop Artist. The Korea Herald said the Song of the Summer nomination is for “Swim,” the lead track from the group’s fifth studio album “Arirang.” (theamas.com) Chosun also reported three nominations, including Artist of the Year. (koreaherald.com) Channel NewsAsia, citing organizers CBS and Dick Clark Productions, said BTS would compete in three categories at this year’s awards. ### Why is the Artist of the Year nomination drawing attention? The Korea Herald said BTS is seeking a second Artist of the Year win at the AMAs. (theamas.com) The group previously won that prize in 2021, according to the same report. Rolling Stone said BTS are 11-time AMA winners and could add to that total this year with the same three nominations. (chosun.com) The Korea Herald put the group’s total at 12 trophies across group and solo activities, a difference in tally that reflects how outlets are counting BTS-related wins. (koreaherald.com) ### What do organizers say about the show itself? CBS and Dick Clark Productions said on May 7 that the 52nd American Music Awards would air live on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from MGM Grand Garden Arena. The same announcement named Queen Latifah as host and said tickets were available through AXS. (rollingstone.com) Billboard’s performers-and-presenters list and Deadline’s presenters roundup published this week outlined the broader on-air roster around the ceremony. Billboard said performers include Karol G, KATSEYE, Teddy Swims and Twenty One Pilots, while Deadline listed presenters including Hannah Berner, Nikki Glaser and Lisa Rinna. (theamas.com) ### Will BTS perform or just appear? The AMAs lineup page uses the phrase “Special Appearance By BTS,” while separately labeling other acts as performers. Neither the official lineup page nor the Deadline report viewed here said BTS would perform during the broadcast. Soompi, citing the AMAs’ May 20 announcement, also described the booking as a “special live appearance.” Organizers have not publicly detailed the format of that segment in the materials reviewed here. (billboard.com) ### What happens next on May 25? The 52nd American Music Awards are scheduled for Monday, May 25, from Las Vegas, with BTS listed on the lineup and nominated in three categories. (theamas.com) CBS and Paramount+ will carry the live broadcast, and Billboard and Deadline have continued updating performer and presenter details ahead of airtime. (theamas.com) (soompi.com)