The 49th American Music Awards took place on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The night was filled with laughs, celebrities, and iconic performances. The show was hosted by the lavish and hilarious Cardi B who did an amazing job with keeping the award show lively and watchable. With performances by Bad Bunny, Silk Sonic, Olivia Rodrigo, and of course BTS. While this article is centered around BTS, I first have to give a shout-out to Chlöe for her performance that got everyone moving.
This award show was crucial to BTS as it was their first in-person show since the Coronavirus pandemic. BTS were no strangers to American award shows as they made their mark at the Billboard Music Awards, Peoples Choice Awards, and even to the Grammys. The American Music Awards are very special to BTS and Army, BTS’s fanbase, as the group had their first American television performance with their hit single “DNA” all the way back in 2017 on the AMAs. BTS became the first Korean boy band to perform at the AMAs and opened the door for many Korean groups to invade the United States with them following this.
Four years and chart-topping albums, singles, and worldwide success later BTS have made history again at the AMAs. The group was nominated for three categories: Best Pop Song, Favorite Pop Duo or Group, and Artist of the Year. Of course, the group had some serious competition but came out on top. Their number one single “Butter” won them Best Pop Song, they won Favorite Pop Duo or Group for the third consecutive year in a row, and became the first Asian act to win Artist of the Year. Proud is an understatement for how I feel watching BTS win these awards.
The group also had two performances of the night. The group opened the show with Coldplay singing their number one single “My Universe“. I’m going, to be honest, and say I hope those audio and technicians get fired. The crowd went absolutely crazy, and you can tell the microphones were not ready to be drowned out by the noise. You could barely hear the members and Chris Martin singing, but at least we know the mics were live. However, it was incredibly heartwarming to see the member’s glow and interact with their fans for the first time in two years.
The second performance was supposed to showcase Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete, and BTS performing their “Butter (Remix)“. Sadly, Pete had to pull out of the entire show due to a personal emergency. I won’t lie, I was a bit heartbroken as I absolutely adore Megan and BTS, but I know they are bound to perform together soon! The group closed the show with “Butter” and were decked out in all yellow. This performance made this event a smash and worthwhile. Technical issues were solved, BTS was cool and energetic on stage. I honestly cannot pick a favorite stand-out moment as I have missed watching real performances from them! Vocals were on point, the raps were smooth like butter, and that choreography was made to be seen by a live audience.
You cannot compare BTS’s success to any American artist, as this group has gone through so much to break out of the Top Social Artist categories and were ignored for years. BTS’s career has had plenty of ups and downs, but now they are riding the wave of success they truly deserve!
Also wow Yoongi looks amazing as ginger and Namjoon’s “Butter” performance outfit will be my Twitter header for months to come.