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2026 AMAs and Brit Awards: Major Winners Announced in Two Music Ceremonies

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2026 American Music Awards & Brit Awards: A Night of Triumphs and Surprises

The 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs) and the 2026 Brit Awards were held on separate dates, recognizing artists across multiple categories. The AMAs took place on an unconfirmed date and were hosted by Queen Latifah. The Brit Awards ceremony occurred in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena and was hosted by Jack Whitehall.

American Music Awards (2026)

Key Award Winners

  • Artist of the Year: BTS
  • Song of the Summer: "Swim" by BTS
  • Song of the Year: "Golden" by K-pop Demon Hunters
  • Best Rock/Alternative Album: Sombr (Shane Michael Boose)
  • Best Rock/Alternative Song: Sombr (Shane Michael Boose)
  • Best Throwback Song: "Rock That Body" (2009) by The Black Eyed Peas
  • New Artist of the Year: Katseye
  • Best Vocal Performance: Katseye
  • Best Music Video: "Gnarly" by Katseye
  • Best Female Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
  • Best Pop Album: Sabrina Carpenter
  • Album of the Year: Sabrina Carpenter
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Billy Idol

Taylor Swift led all nominees with eight nominations but did not win any awards.

Performances

  • BTS performed "Hooligan"
  • The Pussycat Dolls gave their first AMAs performance in 20 years, performing a medley of "Don't Cha," "When I Grow Up," and "Busta Rhymes"
  • Billy Idol performed a medley including "Eyes Without a Face" and "Dancing With Myself" (did not perform "Rebel Yell")
  • Sombr performed "Homewrecker"
  • Katseye performed "Pinky Up"
  • Goo Goo Dolls performed "Iris" with Queen Latifah

Statements from Winners

RM (BTS): Said the group "had a lot of pressure" making their album and were "trying to figure out what kind of music felt like us at this time."

Ejae (K-pop Demon Hunters): Said the song and movie are "fuelled by the fans" and "you guys sealed the whole moon."

Fergie (The Black Eyed Peas): Thanked social media creators for reviving "Rock That Body" so "my son would put our song on his playlist."

Billy Idol: Said he has "been able to live my dream" and encouraged kids to "pick an instrument, find out who you are and be it."

Sombr: Said he would not be there without his fans, and encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Other Details

  • The Pussycat Dolls' reunion was previously derailed by COVID-19 and a legal dispute.
  • Nicole Scherzinger recently won a 2025 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
  • K-pop Demon Hunters also won Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
  • Billy Idol started his career in punk rock in 1976.
  • Katseye was formed from the 2023 reality series "Dream Academy."

Brit Awards (2026)

Olivia Dean's Wins

Olivia Dean was the most awarded artist at the ceremony, winning Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for "The Art of Loving," Best Pop Act, and Song of the Year for her collaboration "Rein Me In" with Sam Fender.

Dean's second album, "The Art of Loving," explores themes of modern dating and blends bossa nova, trip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz. Earlier in the year, Dean also received a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Upon accepting the Album of the Year award, Dean stated the album was "about love, and loving each other in a world that feels loveless right now."

Other Key Winners

  • Alternative/Rock Act: Sam Fender (third win in this category)
  • Breakthrough Artist: Lola Young (received five nominations)
  • Group of the Year: Wolf Alice (second time winning this award)
  • Hip-hop/Grime/Rap Act: Dave
  • Dance Act: Skepta, Fred Again, and PlaqueBoyMax (shared award)
  • R&B Act: Sault
  • Critics' Choice: Jacob Alon

International and Special Awards

  • International Artist of the Year: Rosalía (for her album "Lux")
  • International Group of the Year: Geese — the band's Max Bassin made a statement that included "Free Palestine, fuck ICE, go Geese"
  • International Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars for "APT" — Rosé became the first K-pop artist to win a Brit Award
  • Producer of the Year: PinkPantheress (first female recipient of this award, recognized for her work on "Fancy That")
  • Songwriter of the Year: Noel Gallagher (acknowledged his bandmates for bringing his songs to life)
  • Outstanding Contribution Award: Mark Ronson (recognized for his career, including collaborations with Amy Winehouse; performed a medley with guest artists)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Ozzy Osbourne (posthumous; accepted by his wife Sharon Osbourne; a tribute performance was given by Robbie Williams, Robert Trujillo, and Zakk Wylde)

Event Details

A promotional stunt by singer Sombr, involving a staged tackle, occurred during the ceremony.