Image copyright Getty Images Image caption BTS (front row, left) wowed at the American Music Awards
BTS and Coldplay made a powerful start to the American Music Awards – to the chagrin of some members of the audience.
The Korean band, who entered the charts in the UK in May and UK number one in April, opened with their debut single DNA.
By the time they finished, a hugger in the front row had been embraced by the entire audience as the band blew kisses.
Coldplay were the winners of two AMAs and another one was presented to Ariana Grande.
Olly Murs won the New Artist of the Year award.
Stormzy won the Christian Inspiration Award
On the red carpet, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and close friend from his days with The Beatles, Paul McCartney, criticised President Donald Trump’s travel ban on six Muslim-majority countries.
“This is so far from a concert,” said Martin. “This is our country, this is our house, this is our responsibility. How dare you come into the United States and infringe upon us in this way.”
Martin added: “I don’t think Trump and these people think in terms of empathy – they only think in terms of winning and selling more things.”
Coldplay, who have a strong record of diversity and concern with climate change, have been nominated in three categories at this year’s awards.
Other winners at the 20th American Music Awards on Thursday night included rapper Post Malone, who won Best Hip-Hop Artist, Nicki Minaj, who won Song of the Year, and Ariana Grande who won Tour of the Year.
Among other winners were Bruno Mars, who was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The multi-talented Bruno Mars was given the Lifetime Achievement Award
Video of the Year went to Pharrell Williams for his work on Despacito. The song is currently the top-selling US single.
Twitter was buzzing on Thursday night, as fans praised the wins.
Here are a few of the best reactions.
I’m so honoured for their recognition. I cried like a baby! That was just the best night ever. #AMAs — Say Pray (@sayprayakian) June 15, 2018
So honoured to be covered by KYLIE + I always thought it was worthy of recognition. #AMAs — A (@ItsNannaJayme) June 15, 2018
2018 BTS beat Taylor Swift in the voting categories, which is ridiculous and also insane. Yes, it is a huge accomplishment, but who are THEY to win? Swift deserved to win. — ihs (@Choiristry_) June 15, 2018
I don’t know what’s more impressive, to see BTS win a #AMAs or to see the US voting for them? Crazy. #AMAs — Matt Roberts (@MattyRR) June 15, 2018
BTS took one before the performance started. Thank you @YouTube for the recognition. — Kim @ 39:55 [xxx] (@Gloink_Magiz) June 15, 2018
‘Inside the Oven’ wins Song of the Year is so very convenient. #AMAs — Patricia (@Patriczwaydx) June 15, 2018
Crazy cheering for BTS who were barely even there. #AMAs — Kyle Murphy (@LexiforKyle) June 15, 2018
I’m truly loving that even the casual #AMAs watcher knows it’s super important for us all to celebrate what is truly great in the world. #BTS — Sarah Sanicola (@Simp17y) June 15, 2018