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AMAs 2021: BTS scoops Artist of the Year, ARMY says 'no miracle, result of hard work’

The South Korean group was pitted against stalwarts like Ariana Grande, Drake, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and The Weeknd for the coveted award

It won’t be wrong if we say the 2021 American Music Awards (AMAs) completely belonged to K-pop’s legendary group BTS. The quartet was nominated in three categories and they ended up winning all of them including the Artist of the Year. This was the very first time when BTS won the coveted award and they also became the first Asian act to pull off such a win.

The South Korean group was pitted against stalwarts like Ariana Grande, Drake, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and The Weeknd for the coveted trophy. Apart from the Artist of the Year, BTS also scooped Favorite Pop Duo or Group and Favourite Pop Song for ‘Butter’ at the mega-event held at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 21. This made BTS win every award in all the categories they got nominated in. The 2021 AMAs were hosted by Cardi B for the very first time. Artists namely Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Megan Thee Stallion were other big winners of the night.
 
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‘Seven boys from Korea united by a love for music’

Taking to the stage of 2021 AMAs, the group’s leader RM said they were “truly honored to be on this stage with such amazing, tremendous artists”. While reflecting on the band’s journey since their first AMAs appearance in 2017, he said, Four years ago, we had our first ever TV live performance on this stage, AMAs, it was ‘DNA’. We were too excited and nervous at the time and it’s been a long and amazing ride since then, but nobody could have ever bet on the awesome [honour] of standing here and receiving this award – except you, ARMY.” He added, “Seven boys from Korea united by a love for music met the love and support from all the ARMYs all over the world. This whole thing is a miracle. Seriously, we’ll never take this for granted. Thank you so much.”
 
Adding to his winning speech, rapper Suga added in Korean, “Four years ago we made our US television debut at the AMAs. We had no idea we would receive Artist Of The Year. I believe this is all thanks to ARMY. Thank you ARMY!” BTS’ member Jungkook too addressed the fans saying, the group “just wanted to make people happy with our music”. “We believe this award opens the beginning of our new chapter,” he added.  BTS’ V too shared his views in the end, “I am deeply touched by this award. I so appreciate your love. Thank you ARMY, thank you AMAs. Thank you, we purple you.” The global stars had performed ‘My Universe’ with Coldplay and ‘Butter’ sans Megan Thee Stallion since the female emcee had to opt out due to unexpected personal matter.

'Really proud of their hard work’

BTS Army went berserk as soon as the group was announced as Artist of the Year. “Congratulations to @BTS_twt thank you for always working hard, your music brings me so much joy. I'm so proud”, said one loyal fan as another pitched in, “NOTHING! And I mean Nothing in this moment from haters do I give a single F cause BTS just made history! FIRST ASIAN ACT TO WIN ARTIST OF THE YEAR Y’all!! I AM NOT CRYING!!!!!”  The next one stated, “Not a miracle... But the Bestest Result of Hardwork... They are the inspiration, they are the ROLE MODELS...!!!
 
One user tweeted, “I teared up. ARMY will forever be the biggest and greatest fan base to ever exist”, as another mentioned, “Also kudos to bts for pulling off the butter performance especially since Meghan got a person issue and they probably prepared smth else. It speaks volumes to their professionalism and utter talent but I mean I guess it’s just artist of the year behaviour.”  Another shared, “BTS ONE ARTIST OF THE YEAR AND GOT A CLEAN SWEEP IM GONNA CRY IM SO HAPPY.”  One added, “I can't believe that my bby's! Won this award! I'm really proud of their hard work and I will always love them!” While, one fan concluded, “BTS pushing and hugging each other during their artist of the year speech was too cute, they’re really just 7 best friends taking on the world through music.”

The American Music Awards (AMAs), hosted by Cardi B, were aired live from Microsoft Theatres, Los Angeles at 8 pm ET on ABC.