South African singer Tyla beat Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Wizkid and Rema to win the ‘Best Afrobeats Artist’ category at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs).

The 52nd edition of the AMAs took place on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Queen Latifah hosted the event.

Tyla won the Afrobeats category for the second straight year. She also picked up the ‘Social Song of the Year’ award for “Chanel.” The singer became the first international artist to win the category.

BTS, Bruno Mars lead winners

South Korean group BTS was among the biggest winners of the night. The group won three awards. These included ‘Artist of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Summer’ for “Swim,” and ‘Best Male K-Pop Artist.’

American singer Bruno Mars also claimed three awards. He won ‘Best Male R&B Artist,’ ‘Best R&B Song’ for “I Just Might,” and ‘Best R&B Album’ for “The Romantic.”

Rapper Cardi B matched the record with three wins. She took home ‘Best Female Hip-Hop Artist,’ ‘Best Hip-Hop Song’ for “ErrTime,” and ‘Best Hip-Hop Album’ for “Am I the Drama?”

Other major winners

Global girl group KATSEYE won ‘New Artist of the Year,’ ‘Best Music Video’ for “Gnarly,” and ‘Breakthrough Pop Artist.’

Singer Sabrina Carpenter earned three awards. She won ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Pop Album’ for “Man’s Best Friend.” She also picked up ‘Best Female Pop Artist.’

Alternative artists dominated the rock categories. The singer won ‘Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist,’ ‘Best Rock/Alternative Song’ for “Back to Friends,” and ‘Best Rock/Alternative Album’ for “I Barely Know Her.”

Elsewhere, Shakira won ‘Tour of the Year.’ Karol G received the ‘International Artist Award of Excellence’ and won ‘Best Latin Album’ for “Tropicoqueta.”

Legendary rocker Billy Idol received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’