Although K-pop sensation BTS’ home-coming arc has yet to fulfill itself, the septet’s leader RM, aka Kim Namjoon, gained an upper hand at this week’s American Music Awards ceremony in Las Vegas. Despite his absence at the event – attributed to his ongoing military service commitments, the eclectic bop-maker rose to the top as the Favourite K-pop Artist, beating contemporaries like his own bandmate Jimin and other K-pop icons ATEEZ, BLACKPINK’s Rose and Stray Kids.
RM’s glorious achievement shone brighter than ever as it helped him continue his own, as well as the K-pop band’s, record-shattering streak. He is not only the first Korean rapper to have been nominated at the AMAs both as a soloist and a group member, but is now also the first to have clinched this award at the event.
BTS’ American Music Award wins
Prior to RM’s solo achievement at the AMAs, BTS’ trophy bag was already filled to the top. The golden roster includes wins like: Favourite Social Artist (2018, 2019, 2020), Favourite Duo or Group Pop/Rock (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), Tour of the Year (2019), Artist of the Year (2021), Favourite Pop Song (2021), and Favourite K-pop Artist (2022).
American Music Awards: Taylor vs Billie
Meanwhile, on the US pop scene, the 2025 American Music Awards’ Monday night arrival shockingly snubbed Taylor Swift, upholding Billie Eilish as the big winner. The 34-year-old pop queen, who holds the record for most wins in AMA history secured six nominations this year. However, as pop culture ‘stan Twitter’ calls them, the “Anti-Hero” hit-maker’s musical rival touched down with key victories overnight, including the Artist of the Year tag.
Jennifer Lopez took on the role of the evening’s host, kicking off the telecast with her performance of ballad rendition of her hit track, “Dance Again.” In addition to the evergreen performer’s infectious energy taking over the show, Alex Warren, Janet Jackson, Benson Boone, Becky & Manuel Turizo, Lainey Wilson, Rod Stewart, Renee Rapp, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton put on their game faces on for their respective stellar presentations. Read on to find out who took home which Music Award trophy:
2025 American Music Awards winners list
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rod Stewart
Favourite K-pop Artist: BTS’ RM
Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
Album of the Year: “Hit Me Hard and Soft” by Billie Eilish
Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish
Collaboration of the Year: “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
New Artist of the Year: Gracie Abrams
Social Song of the Year: “Anxiety” by Doechii
Favourite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish
Favourite Male Pop Artist: Bruno Mars
Favourite Female Pop Artist: Billie Eilish
Favourite Pop Song: “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish
Favourite Pop Album:” “Hit Me Hard and Soft” by Billie Eilish
Favourite Music Video: “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Favourit Male Hip-Hop Arist: Eminem
Favourite Female Hip-Hop Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Favourite Hip-Hop Song: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
Favourite Hip-Hop Album: “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace)” by Eminem
Favourite Male R&B Artist: The Weeknd
Favourite Female R&B Artist: SZA
Favourite R&B Song: “Saturn” by SZA
Favourite R&B Album: “Hurry Up Tomorrow” by The Weeknd
Favourite Rock Artist: Twenty One Pilots
Favourite Rock Song: “The Emptiness Machine” by Linkin Park
Favourite Rock Album: “Clancy” by Twenty One Pilots
Favourite Male Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Favourite Female Latin Artist: Becky G
Favourite Latin Duo or Group: Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
Favourite Latin Song: “Soltera” by Shakira
Favourite Latin Album: “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” by Bad Bunny
Favourite Dance/Electronic Artist: Lady Gaga
Favourite Afrobeats Artist: Tyla
Favourite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish
Favourite Soundtrack: Arcane League of Legends Season 2