The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) are right around the corner, and this year’s Favorite K-pop Artist category is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. With industry powerhouses Stray Kids, RM, Jimin, ATEEZ, and Rosé in the running, the race reflects not just popularity, but the global reach and evolution of K-pop as a dominant force in international music.
Stray Kids: A Global Phenomenon in Full Swing
Fresh off their history-making achievements, Stray Kids enters the AMAs with the wind at their back. This marks their second consecutive nomination—and after their groundbreaking AMAs performance last year, expectations are sky-high. They're nominated not only for Favorite K-pop Artist, but also for Favorite Soundtrack, a rare feat signaling their versatility beyond the stage.
Their ‘dominATE’ world tour, covering 34 cities across continents and drawing in an estimated 2.2 million fans, speaks volumes about their international pull. Stray Kids also swept global stages this year with wins at the Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where they took home the K-pop Album of the Year title two years running. That consistency, paired with the momentum of their massive Latin American stadium shows, puts them in a strong position heading into the AMAs.
BTS Soloists RM and Jimin Make Historic Strides
Both RM and Jimin, longtime AMAs favorites through their BTS legacy, have now earned their first solo nominations in a main AMAs category. It’s a landmark moment for both artists and BTS as a group, whose impact on the AMAs is undeniable—from their debut performance in 2017 to sweeping multiple awards including Artist of the Year in 2021.
Jimin, whose solo success and passionate global fanbase make him a strong contender, brings emotional artistry and streaming power to the table. Yet RM, with his nuanced lyrical style and broader musical experimentation, brings a different edge—appealing to voters looking for depth and individuality. It will be interesting to see how ARMY splits its votes between these two beloved members.
ATEEZ: First-time Nominee, Big-Time Recognition
ATEEZ joins the AMAs race for the first time this year, marking a milestone in their global rise. Known for their intense stage presence and fiercely loyal fandom, the group recently took home the K-pop Artist of the Year award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards and landed in the Top 5 CD sales in the U.S. for 2024. Their inclusion in the AMAs is a powerful nod to their upward trajectory, and their upcoming world tour suggests their momentum is far from slowing down.
Rosé: Breaking the Mold
While the Favorite K-pop Artist category is filled with standout names, Rosé of BLACKPINK earned a unique distinction—the only K-pop artist nominated outside of the K-pop category this year. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars landed her a spot in the Collaboration of the Year category alongside the likes of Taylor Swift, SZA, and Kendrick Lamar. She’s also the only female nominee in the K-pop category, highlighting her crossover appeal and singular voice in the industry.
Voting is now open, and with so much at stake, fan dedication will undoubtedly play a major role in determining who takes home the trophy.
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