Okay fam, the American Music Awards are shaping up to be a K-pop fan’s dream this year. The 52nd AMAs nominations (announced May 14) put a stacked group of Korean acts across huge categories — and yes, BTS is back in the Artist of the Year conversation.
Here’s the quick rundown of the highlights:
- BTS scored three nominations: Artist of the Year, Best Male K-pop Artist, and Song of the Summer for “Swim” (lead single from their fifth LP, Arirang). They’re up against Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and Harry Styles — and are expected to attend in person, their first in-person AMA appearance in five years.
- Katseye (Hybe + Geffen global girl group) is a major rookie name this cycle: nominated for New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for “Gnarly.” They’re also slated to perform at the AMAs.
- Jennie earned a Song of the Summer nod for her Tame Impala remix, “Dracula,” up against BTS’ “Swim.”
- Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters put K-pop in the soundtrack race — its fictional girl group Huntrix and the song “Golden” picked up nominations (including Song of the Year and Best Pop Song).
- K-pop category competition: Best Male K-pop Artist includes BTS, Stray Kids, Ateez, Enhypen and Tomorrow X Together; Best Female K-pop Artist features Aespa, Blackpink, Illit, Le Sserafim and Twice.
- Hybe artists are everywhere this year: BTS, Katseye, TXT, Enhypen, Illit and Le Sserafim all earned nods. Hybe America–affiliated acts also appear in other genre categories.
Why these AMAs matter: nominations are based on fan engagement metrics — streaming, album sales, radio airplay and tour revenue — so these results reflect real fan consumption worldwide, not just industry voting.
Practical info: the AMAs go down May 25 (local time) at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For fans in Korea, the show will stream on Paramount+ and air on CBS at 9 a.m. on May 26.
Fan extras (quick context nuggets):
- BTS previously made history as the first Korean act to win Artist of the Year in 2021.
- Katseye debuted less than two years ago and has already placed three songs on the Billboard Hot 100: “Gabriela,” “Internet Girl” and “Gnarly.” Their latest single “Pinky Up” was at #76 on the Hot 100 (chart dated May 23).
Honestly, I can’t wait to see the performances and red carpet looks — and to cheer for our faves when the winners are announced. Who are you rooting for? Drop your predictions in the comments!
Source: The Korea Herald