AMAs 2026 recap: All the winners, shocks, biggest snubs

The 2026 American Music Awards turned Las Vegas into pure pop mayhem as music’s biggest names battled it out for the industry’s hottest prizes and there were shocks, snubs and superstar moments everywhere you looked.

BTS completely dominated the evening, winning Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer for SWIM and Best Male K-pop Artist. 

The group also kicked off the ceremony with a fiery performance of Hooligan, sending fans into meltdown.

But the night’s biggest shock came from Taylor Swift, who surprisingly walked away with nothing despite leading the nominations with eight nods.

Fresh-faced girl group KATSEYE became one of the breakout stars of the night after winning New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for Gnarly.

Animated phenomenon HUNTR/X scored one of the biggest victories of the evening. 

Their smash hit Golden won Song of the Year, Best Pop Song and Best Vocal Performance, while KPop Demon Hunters also took home Best Soundtrack.

Sabrina Carpenter had a massive night too, winning Album of the Year and Best Pop Album for Man’s Best Friend, as well as Best Female Pop Artist.

In hip-hop, Cardi B stormed ahead with Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Best Hip-Hop Song for ErrTime and Best Hip-Hop Album for AM I THE DRAMA?, while Kendrick Lamar landed Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.

Bruno Mars ruled the R&B field, winning Best Male R&B Artist, Best R&B Song for I Just Might and Best R&B Album for The Romantic. 

Meanwhile, SZA picked up Best Female R&B Artist.

Country music also had its big winners. Morgan Wallen claimed Best Male Country Artist, Ella Langley won Best Female Country Artist and Best Country Song for Choosin’ Texas, while Megan Moroney earned Best Country Album for Cloud 9.

Latin music icon Shakira triumphed with Tour of the Year and Best Female Latin Artist, while Bad Bunny won Best Male Latin Artist and Best Latin Song for NUEVAYoL. 

KAROL G grabbed Best Latin Album for Tropicoqueta.

Elsewhere, sombr won Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist, Best Rock/Alternative Song for back to friends and Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her. 

Twenty One Pilots claimed Best Rock/Alternative Artist, while David Guetta won Best Dance/Electronic Artist.

Hosted by Queen Latifah, the star-packed ceremony proved that the 2026 music scene is bigger, bolder and more unpredictable than ever.

RELATED: BTS sweep AMAs as ARMY delivers another historic win