Las Vegas, United States. Indie musician Sombr and the voices behind “KPop Demon Hunters” won some of the first trophies on Monday at the American Music Awards, which are determined by fan votes. The ceremony was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Early winners
The 20-year-old Sombr won best rock/alternative song for his hit “Back to Friends.”
“I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom,” he said on stage. “So being here, I never would have expected that.”
Song of the year went to “Golden,” the upbeat track from the Netflix animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters.” EJAE, one of the singers in the movie’s fictional group HUNTR/X, appeared surprised by the win.
“Oh my god! Oh my goodness,” EJAE said before thanking fans for voting for the song.
Opening performance
The show opened with K-pop band BTS, dressed in all-black outfits and black sunglasses, singing “Hooligan” from the Las Vegas concert stop on the group’s Arirang Tour.
“The energy is crazy in here!” host Queen Latifah said from the stage.
Swift leads nominations
Taylor Swift led the nominations going into the ceremony with eight, and the event aired live on CBS and Paramount+.
Swift, who has won more AMA honors than any other artist, was among the contenders for artist of the year alongside Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and others. Her album “The Life of a Showgirl” was nominated for album of the year.
