Sombr scores first win of the night as BTS opens 2026 AMA Awards

Sombr scores first win of the night as BTS has energetic opening number at 2026 American Music AwardsHave YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com See more Daily Mail on Google – save us as a Preferred Source

BTS kicked off the ceremony with an energetic opener while Sombr garnered the first big win of the night during the 52nd Annual American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday.

The South Korean boy band brought fans to their feet with a pre-taped performance of their track Hooligan from their Arirang World Tour. 

The seven members including Jin, J-Hope, Jungkook, RM, V, Suga and Jimin, belted out lyrics to the upbeat song. 

While the group was not at the MGM Grand Garden Arena where the festivities took place, host Queen Latifah made a promise to the crowd which sent fans into a frenzy. 

‘And if you think it’s loud now, just wait. Because BTS is on their way right here, right now!’ she revealed as she began her hosting duties in a striking red leather jumpsuit.

The host applauded the ‘crazy’ energy in the building while gushing that this year’s show received ‘more votes than ever before’ from fans and viewers. 

BTS kicked off the ceremony with an energetic opener while Sombr garnered the first big win of the night during the 52nd Annual American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday; seen in March in Seoul 

Sombr, who raked in seven nominations, won the award for his track Back To Friends and excitedly took to the stage to give an inspirational message to those in attendance

Queen Latifah soon introduced comedian Nikki Glaser who presented the first award of the evening for Best Rock Alternative Song. 

The nominees in the category included Noah Kahan, Sombr, Linkin Park, Sublime and also Tame Impala. 

American Music Awards best dressed: Celebrities wow on the red carpet

Sombr, who raked in seven nominations, won the award for his track Back To Friends and excitedly took to the stage to give an inspirational message to those in attendance. 

The singer gave a special shout out to his fans and added, ‘I wouldn’t be here without you, I love my fans. 

‘Thank you to my family. I love my family. And thank you to the AMAs.’

He continued, ‘And I just want to say, for anyone that wants to do anything or pursue anything or do music or whatever you want to do that feels impossible, it’s so not impossible. 

‘Because two years ago I was sitting in my living room watching this show and wanting nothing more than to be on this stage. And now I’m here, so you can do it,’ Sombr encouraged. 

He also recalled penning Back To Friends when he was age 19 and ‘depressed, all by myself in my bedroom and I produced it by myself. So being here, I never would have expected that. So thank you, I love you.’

The South Korean boy band brought fans to their feet with a pre-taped performance of their track Hooligan from their Arirang World Tour (seen above) 

‘And if you think it’s loud now, just wait. Because BTS is on their way right here, right now!’ she revealed as she began her hosting duties in a striking red leather jumpsuit

Queen Latifah soon introduced comedian Nikki Glaser who presented the first award of the evening for Best Rock Alternative Song

Sombr continued in his speech, ‘And I just want to say, for anyone that wants to do anything or pursue anything or do music or whatever you want to do that feels impossible, it’s so not impossible’

He also recalled penning Back To Friends when he was age 19 and ‘depressed, all by myself in my bedroom and I produced it by myself. So being here, I never would have expected that. So thank you, I love you’

The music artist was dressed for the event wearing a pair of black trousers as well as a black shirt that contained a large cutout on the front and intricate details on the material. 

Hootie & The Blowfish then took to the stage to perform some of their hits from over the years including Hold My Hand and Only Wanna Be With You. 

Three decades earlier, the band garnered their first AMA win for Pop/Rock New Artist. 

Jason Derulo and Paula Abdul were next to take to the stage to present the award for Song of the Year. 

Nominees in the category included Alex Warren for Ordinary, Ella Langley for Choosin’ Texas, singers of Golden: Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, Leon Thomas for Mutt, Sabrina Carpenter for Manchild, Taylor Swift for The Fate Of Ophelia as well as Sombr for Back To Friends. 

Golden, which is found in the movie K-pop Demon Hunters, won the honor and both Ejae as well as Rei Ami flashed big smiles as they made their way to the stage to accept the award.

‘Oh my goodness,’ Ejae began as the live audience cheered loudly inside the Las Vegas arena. ‘Truly, like this movie and this song is fueled by the fans…’

She gave a shout out to the fans as well as the ‘K-pop Demon Hunters team.’ 

Hootie & The Blowfish then took to the stage to perform some of their hits from over the years including Hold My Hand and Only Wanna Be With You

Jason Derulo and Paula Abdul were next to take to the stage to present the award for Song of the Year

Golden, which is found in the movie K-pop Demon Hunters, won the honor and both Ejae as well as Rei Ami flashed big smiles as they made their way to the stage to accept the award

‘Oh my goodness,’ Ejae began as the live audience cheered loudly inside the Las Vegas arena. ‘Truly, like this movie and this song is fueled by the fans…’

Rei Ami also added, ‘Thank you so much to the fans that voted. K-pop Demon Hunters would not be what it is without our pᴀssionate fandom.’ 

She also reflected on a ‘life-changing year’ before giving more recognition to their fans. 

Sombr then took to the stage once again to perform his song Homewrecker as the crowd erupted into cheers. 

The star donned a black shirt that was partially unʙuттoned as well as a pair of black pants. 

He embraced his punk side while also sporting black shadow around his eyes and at one point during the performance, water fell down in a dramatic moment. 

The track was released earlier this year in February and landed the number two spot on the Billboard U.S. H๏τ Rock & Alternative Songs chart. 

Olympic gold medalist Alyssa Liu then presented the next award for Best Rock Alternative Artist.