The nominations for the 52nd American Music Awards are officially out, and they prove that K-pop has moved far beyond a niche category. According to the list released on 14 May, Korean artists and affiliated acts have secured slots in some of the biggest mainstream categories of the night.
Unlike other award shows that rely on secret industry panels, the AMAs use fan data like streaming numbers, radio play, and album sales to pick nominees. This means the 2026 lineup is a direct look at what people are actually listening to, and right now, they are listening to K-pop.
Read more: Top 10 K-pop Songs of 2025: The Definitive List
BTS leads the charge with three nominations, including a spot in the top category of the night: Artist of the Year. The group previously won the trophy in 2021, and this year they are going up against Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles. Their track “Swim,” from the album Arirang, is also up for Song of the Summer. The group will attend the ceremony in person for the first time in five years.
Global girl group Katseye has also had a massive week, picking up nominations for New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for their track “Gnarly.” The group has already scored three Billboard Hot 100 hits despite debuting less than two years ago.
But the strangest crossover of the night comes from Netflix. The animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters picked up a nod for Best Soundtrack. Even wilder, the fictional girl group from the movie, Huntrix, scored nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best Vocal Performance for their track “Golden.” The voice actors behind the animated characters, including EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, previously performed the track live at the Oscars.
Read more: How Asian Influence Is Reshaping Sports and Pop Culture: New Nielsen Data
The powerhouse agency Hybe is having a dominant year across the board. Beyond BTS and Katseye, several other Hybe acts are clogging up the dedicated genre categories.
The battle for Best Male K-Pop Artist will see BTS face off against Stray Kids, Ateez, Enhypen, and Tomorrow X Together. Meanwhile, the Best Female K-Pop Artist category includes Aespa, Blackpink, Illit, Le Sserafim, and Twice. Jennie of Blackpink also secured a nomination for Song of the Summer for her Tame Impala collaboration remix, “Dracula.”
The 52nd AMAs will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on 25 May. For international fans watching from Asia, the entire broadcast will stream on Paramount+ and CBS on the morning of 26 May.
