LOS ANGELES (Reuters): K-Pop band BTS has become a big winner at the American Music Awards 2021.
The seven-member band from South Korea beat singers like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd, and rapper Drake for the night’s biggest prize artist of the year.
The band, known for its positive uplifting music, called the artist of the year win a miracle. “We’re truly honored to be on this stage with such amazing, tremendous artists,” said Kim Nam-Joon, known as RM.
“It’s been a long and amazing ride … nobody could have ever bet on the odds of us standing here and receiving this award, except you all,” he added referring to the band’s fans.
BTS 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 BTS. Swift was among several top-nominated artists, including Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and Drake, who did not attend the ceremony.
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. Here is a list of the winners at the American Music Awards:
Artist of the year: BTS
Favorite pop song: BTS’ ‘Butter’
New artist of the year: Olivia Rodrigo
Collaboration of the year: Doja Cat ft. SZA, ‘Kiss Me More’
Favorite male pop artist: Ed Sheeran
Favourite pop duo or group: BTS
Favourite female pop artist: Taylor Swift
Collaboration of the year: Doja Cat ft. SZA, ‘Kiss Me More’
Favourite male pop artist: Ed Sheeran
Favourite music video: Lil Nas X, ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’
Favourite male country artist: Luke Bryan
Favourite female country artist: Carrie Underwood
Favourite country duo or group: Dan + Shay
Favourite male R&B artist: The Weeknd
Favourite female R&B artist: Doja Cat
Favourite hip-hop album: Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Good News’
Favourite female hip-hop artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Favourite male hip-hop artist: Drak
Favourite country album: Gabby Barrett’s ‘Goldmine’
Favourite country song: Gabby Barrett’s ‘The Good Ones’
Favourite male Latin artist: Bad Bunny
Favourite Latin duo or group: Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Favourite R&B song: Silk Sonic’s ‘Leave the Door Open’
Favourite gospel artist: Kanye West
Favourite R&B album: Doja Cat’s ‘Planet Her’
Favourite inspirational artist: Carrie Underwood
Favourite dance/electronic artist: Marshmello
