BTS returns to AMAs stage after four years with pre-taped 'Hooligan' performance
Las Vegas, May 26
BTS made a grand return to the American Music Awards after four years, delighting fans with a special performance of their new track 'Hooligan' during the 2026 edition of the awards ceremony, according to E! News.
Group members Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM and V walked the red carpet at the ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, the event marked BTS' first appearance at an award show since 2022.
The group delivered a high-energy rendition of their song Hooligan, which was first released in March this year. However, instead of performing live on stage, BTS presented a pre-recorded performance filmed during the May 24 Las Vegas stop of their ARIRANG World Tour.
Despite the performance being pre-taped, Queen Latifah had teased the group's appearance during the ceremony, building excitement among fans.
This year's AMAs also marked a milestone moment for the globally popular K-pop group. BTS made history at the 2017 AMAs when they became the first Korean group to perform on the show, marking their U.S. television performance debut, according to E! News.
The appearance also comes after BTS members completed their mandatory military duties in South Korea following the group's extended hiatus announced in 2022.
Since reuniting, BTS released their 10th studio album Arirang and announced a world tour in support of the project earlier this year.
In an interview in April, Jin revealed that the tour was initially planned on a smaller scale.
"When we first got our tour plans, it didn't have very many stops," Jin said. "And it was only going to last about three to four months. I said: 'Now that we're back, we promised so many people that we would come and meet them, and I feel like this is breaking our promise.'"
BTS is nominated at this year's AMAs in categories including Artist of the Year, Song of the Summer and Best Male K-Pop Artist.
Reflecting on the group's success, RM humbly compared BTS to global music stars like Taylor Swift.
"They are greater artists than us," RM said. "We're just so small. We're just a boy band from Korea," according to E! News.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see them back at the AMAs. The pre-taped performance feels a bit disappointing though—you'd expect a live show after four years. Still, their journey from 2017 debut to now is incredible.
Jin's comment about the tour being small initially is so real. These guys literally did their mandatory military service, came back, and still managed to drop a 10th album and plan a world tour. That's dedication. India needs a stop on their next tour please 🙏🇮🇳
I get why they pre-taped it—touring is exhausting. But the whole point of award shows is live moments. Still, BTS's energy in that performance must be incredible given how big their tour is.
RM calling themselves 'just a boy band from Korea' while comparing to Taylor Swift is peak humility. But honestly, they've broken so many barriers—first Korean group to perform at AMAs in 2017, now back after hiatus and military service. Massive respect. ARIRANG World Tour is going to be epic 🔥
Good for them after the mandatory military service—that's no joke. The pre-taped performance is a smart move. Hope they win some awards!
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