RM Takes the Trophy, Rosé Snubbed? What Happened at the 2025 AMAs

With his military discharge just weeks away, BTS leader RM has claimed a major solo victory at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMA), while BLACKPINK’s Rosé, also nominated, narrowly missed out on a win.

The ceremony was held on May 26 (local time) at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas, bringing together some of the biggest names in global music. RM was awarded “Favorite K-Pop Artist”, a category first introduced in 2022. Other nominees included fellow BTS member Jimin, ATEEZ, Stray Kids, and Rosé — making this the first time RM and Jimin were nominated as solo artists at the AMAs.

RM’s win adds to BTS’s storied history at the AMAs. The group made their U.S. debut performance at the show in 2017, followed by multiple wins across subsequent years, including “Favorite Social Artist,” “Favorite Pop Duo/Group,” “Tour of the Year,” and the coveted “Artist of the Year” in 2021.

Meanwhile, Rosé had been considered a strong contender in the “Collaboration of the Year” category for her duet “APT.” with Bruno Mars. However, the award ultimately went to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for their global hit “Die With a Smile.”

Though “APT.” generated buzz and anticipation, it fell short in the final selection — a disappointing outcome for fans who had hoped to see Rosé earn her first AMA solo accolade.

Since its launch in 1974, the American Music Awards has been recognized as one of the "big three" music award shows in the U.S., alongside the Grammys and the Billboard Music Awards, honoring the most influential artists of the year across genres and continents.

However, whether you're a fan of RM or Rosé, there's exciting news on the horizon for K-pop fans. BLACKPINK has officially announced their upcoming ‘Deadline’ World Tour — the group’s third global tour and their first as a full quartet following individual solo projects. This marks a highly anticipated reunion on stage, celebrating their return as a group after months of solo achievements.

At the same time, BTS fans are counting down to RM’s military discharge on June 10, sparking speculation about a potential full-group BTS reunion in the near future. With both artists entering major new chapters, the second half of 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental season for K-pop.

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