Fans honor Sombr and 'Golden' at American Music Awards

Independent musician Sombr and the voices behind KPop Demon Hunters earned some of the first awards at the American Music Awards on Monday, during the fan-voted music ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The 20-year-old Sombr won best rock/alternative song for his hit track Back to Friends. During his acceptance speech, the singer reflected on writing the song while struggling with depression alone in his bedroom at age 19.

“I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself in my bedroom,” Sombr told the crowd. “So being here, I never would have expected that.”

Song of the year was awarded to Golden, an upbeat track featured in the Netflix animated film. The award appeared to surprise singer EJAE, one of the voices behind the fictional group HUNTR/X featured in the movie.

“Oh my god! Oh my goodness,” EJAE said after the announcement before thanking fans for voting for the song.

The ceremony opened with a performance by BTS, who appeared in all-black outfits and sunglasses while performing “Hooligan” during the Las Vegas stop of the group’s Arirang Tour.

Host Queen Latifah energized the audience as the show began, telling the crowd, “The energy is crazy in here!”

Pop superstar Taylor Swift entered the awards ceremony with the most nominations at eight. Swift, who holds the record for the most American Music Awards wins, was nominated for artist of the year alongside Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles and Lady Gaga.

Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl was also nominated for album of the year. 

-Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Jacqueline Wong/Reuters