BTS Pops Out at the 2026 American Music Awards to Deliver Unforgettable Show-Opening Performance

BTS started the 2026 American Music Awards off right on Monday (May 25), opening up the ceremony with a show-stopping performance of one of the most energetic tracks off new album ARIRANG.

Pre-filmed on stage along the group’s ongoing world tour, the showcase by RM, j-hope, Jimin, Jung Kook, SUGA, V and Jin’s ceremony-opening exhibition featured every member getting his special moment in front of the camera. Shrouded in fog and intense red lighting — with ARMY waving their light sticks excitedly in the crowd — the Bangtan Boys hit every note of single “Hooligan” while executing intricate choreography among a group of backup dancers.

“Watch this, watch this beat going hooligan/ We pop out, we actin’ a fool again,” RM spit, staring straight into the camera while looking fly in a leathery black getup, matching his bandmates. “Watch this, watch this beat going hooligan.”

Though pre-recorded outside of the award show venue, BTS’ performance also got the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas revved up for the rest of this year’s AMAs. Later on in the program, the septet appeared in person to present best female R&B artist to SZA, who fully fan-girled over the members while accepting the trophy from them.

“Hooligan” appears on BTS’ Billboard 200-topping album ARIRANG, which dropped earlier this year after a two-year hiatus to fulfill military service requirements and pursue solo projects. To date, the track has peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, which ARIRANG lead single “SWIM” topped in April.

The group is currently on a global stadium tour in support of the project. The AMAs in Vegas come halfway through BTS’ four-night stint at Allegiant Stadium in Sin City, with its next two shows slated for May 27 and 28.

The band is also up for three AMAs in 2026, including artist of the year.

The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.