The 2026 American Music Awards delivered one of the most unpredictable nights in the show’s recent history. Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, the ceremony refused to crown a single dominant winner. Instead, seven artists tied at the top of the leaderboard, each walking away with three trophies. Meanwhile, the night’s biggest nominee left without anything to show for it.

A Seven-Way Tie at the Top

Rather than one act sweeping the evening, the 2026 American Music Awards distributed its biggest honors across a diverse group of stars. Bruno Mars, BTS, Cardi B, KATSEYE, Sabrina Carpenter, HUNTR/X, and Sombr each took home three awards, creating a rare seven-way tie for the most wins of the night.

Taylor Swift’s Surprising Shutout

The story no one expected was Taylor Swift’s complete blank. Heading into the ceremony with eight nominations, she was widely tipped to walk away with several wins. Instead, she lost in every single category. Even so, her dominance over AMA history remains untouched. With 40 lifetime wins, Swift is still the most decorated artist the ceremony has ever produced.

She wasn’t the only big nominee to leave empty-handed. Olivia Dean, who scored seven nominations, also went home without a trophy, as did Warren and Lady Gaga, who each earned six nods.

BTS Reclaims the Spotlight

BTS took home Artist of the Year for the second time, having first claimed the honor back in 2021. That places them among only four acts to ever win the category more than once. While Swift continues to lead with seven wins in this category, BTS now sits alongside Justin Bieber and One Direction with two each, tying the latter as the most successful group in this race.

The K-pop superstars also picked up Song of the Summer for “Swim” and Best Male K-Pop Artist. With these additions, their lifetime AMA count rises to 14, putting them second only to country legends Alabama, who hold 23 wins among groups and duos.

Bieber Builds His Legacy

Justin Bieber added another trophy to his collection by winning Best Male Pop Artist. His 19th career AMA places him in a tie with the late Kenny Rogers for second among male artists. Michael Jackson still leads the men with 24 wins, meaning Bieber now holds the title of most-decorated living male artist at the AMAs.

KATSEYE’s Big Breakthrough

After missing out on Best New Artist at the Grammys earlier this year, KATSEYE bounced back in a big way. The global girl group claimed New Artist of the Year, becoming the seventh female act in a row to win the category. The last male artist to take it home was Niall Horan back in 2017. KATSEYE also walked away with Best Music Video and Breakthrough Pop Artist.

HUNTR/X Keeps the Hot Streak Alive

“Golden” by HUNTR/X continued its remarkable awards run, claiming Song of the Year. The track has already won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammys and Best Original Song at the Oscars. HUNTR/X also picked up Best Vocal Performance and Best Pop Song.

Sombr’s Unexpected Album Win

Sombr enjoyed a breakout night with three wins: Best Rock/Alternative Song for “Back to Friends,” Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her, and Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist. Even Sombr himself appeared stunned by the album victory, given that his record peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 while competitors from Sleep Token, Twenty One Pilots, and Zach Bryan all hit No. 1. It was a clear reminder of how far a single chart-defining hit can carry an artist.

More Big Winners of the Night

Bruno Mars dominated the R&B categories, sweeping Best Male R&B Artist, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Album. Cardi B did the same in hip-hop, claiming Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Best Hip-Hop Song, and Best Hip-Hop Album. Sabrina Carpenter, meanwhile, walked off with Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Artist, and Best Pop Album.

Latin and International Highlights

Karol G’s Tropicoqueta beat strong competition, including Rosalía’s much-anticipated Lux, to win Best Latin Album. She also earned the International Artist Award of Excellence, cementing her position as one of the genre’s most influential voices.

Swedish pop star Zara Larsson had a memorable night too, taking Collaboration of the Year and Breakthrough Album of the Year. Her rising profile comes shortly after her first-ever Grammy nomination for “Midnight Sun.”

Rock, Throwbacks, and More

Twenty One Pilots earned Best Rock/Alternative Artist for the second consecutive year and their fourth time overall. Only Linkin Park has more wins in the category, with six. The Black Eyed Peas claimed the brand-new Best Throwback Song award for “Rock That Body,” beating nostalgic favorites from 4 Non Blondes and Goo Goo Dolls.

The Show Behind the Show

Queen Latifah hosted the 52nd edition of the American Music Awards, which aired on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Created by Dick Clark in 1974, the AMAs remain the world’s largest fan-voted music ceremony, with winners determined through streaming numbers, sales, radio play, and tour performance tracked by Billboard and Luminate.