Filmed during their ongoing stadium tour, the performance showcased all seven members—RM, J-Hope, Jimin, Jungkook, Suga, V, and Jin—each given a spotlight moment amid heavy fog, red lighting, and tightly synchronized choreography.
The group performed “Hooligan,” a standout track from their Billboard 200-topping album ARIRANG, blending sharp visuals with high-intensity rap and vocals as fans—ARMY—waved light sticks throughout the crowd atmosphere.
RM’s verse captured the energy of the moment, as he delivered lines directly into the camera: “Watch this, watch this beat going hooligan/ We pop out, we actin’ a fool again,” reinforcing the track’s rebellious, high-octane tone.
A Stadium-Level Spectacle for a Global Audience
Although the performance was pre-recorded outside the award venue, it was designed with full stadium scale in mind, matching BTS’s ongoing global tour production. The cinematic staging and aggressive choreography helped translate the concert experience into a televised spectacle, energizing both the live audience in Las Vegas and viewers worldwide.
The group later appeared in person during the ceremony, presenting the Best Female R&B Artist award to SZA, who visibly celebrated the moment while receiving the trophy from them.
ARIRANG Era Continues Its Chart Dominance
“Hooligan” appears on ARIRANG, BTS’s latest studio album, which followed a two-year hiatus during which members completed military service obligations and pursued solo work. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, continuing the group’s long-running chart success.
The single has also performed strongly on the singles chart, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100, while lead track “SWIM” previously reached No. 1.
Tour Momentum and Award Season Presence
BTS are currently in the middle of a global stadium tour supporting ARIRANG, with the Las Vegas AMAs falling midway through a four-night run at Allegiant Stadium. The remaining shows are scheduled for May 27 and 28, extending what has already been one of the group’s most high-profile live performance stretches in years.
Multiple AMA Nominations Highlight Continued Influence
Beyond their opening performance, BTS are also competing for three awards at this year’s ceremony, including the highly coveted Artist of the Year category—further underscoring their sustained dominance in both fan-driven voting and global pop culture visibility.
The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions under Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture involving Eldridge Industries and Penske Media.