BTS & BIGBANG Lead Nominations for 2026 MAMA Awards Full List
The K-Pop Crown Race: BTS and BIGBANG Dominate MAMA Awards Nominations
The K-pop world is buzzing, and the spotlight is fiercely focused on the nominations for the 2026 MAMA Awards. As first-round voting kicks off, the competition is heating up, setting the stage for a massive celebration in Osaka, Japan. This year’s awards are not just about music; they are a glittering reflection of the incredible artistry and global influence these groups bring to the world.
At the forefront of the nominations are the titans of K-pop. BTS secured a commanding haul of five nominations, including Artist of the Year and Best Male Group, alongside major wins for their album ARIRANG and their performance on “SWIM.” Furthermore, group member J-Hope earned nods for his incredible feature work, highlighting the powerful collaborations within the group.
Equally celebrated are the legends of BIGBANG, who have also made a significant impact. They received nominations across the board, including Artist of the Year and Best Male Group, recognizing their enduring legacy. Group member Taeyang, in particular, garnered multiple nods for his solo achievements, including Artist of the Year and his performance in “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW.” And of course, G-Dragon was recognized with the coveted Artist of the Year award at the 2025 ceremony.
The competitive landscape is vast, with seven major acts receiving five nominations each, demonstrating the deep talent pool in the industry. This year’s nominees stretch across powerhouse groups like aespa, ATEEZ, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, MAMAMOO, ILLIT, and CORTIS. This breadth of recognition truly showcases the diverse and evolving nature of K-pop.
Beyond the major groups, individual talents are also shining brightly. Members like Yeonjun of TOMORROW X TOGETHER received nominations for solo performance, reflecting the exceptional skill of the next generation. The awards also celebrate outstanding vocal performances, such as Hwasa of MAMAMOO for “Good Goodbye” and IU for “Unknown Planet,” as well as standout choreography, proving that the artistry extends far beyond the music itself.
The nominations cover an astonishing array of categories, from Best Dance Performance Male Solo to Best Dance Performance Female Group. The results highlight the incredible technical prowess, from the fierce choreography of ATEEZ and CORTIS to the captivating performances of aespa and LE SSERAFIM. The final results, which will be unveiled over two nights at the Kyocera Dome Osaka on November 20-21, promise a spectacle of talent and passion.
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