BTS Nominated in 6 Categories For The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMAs)

The 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards have officially been announced. This year’s ceremony will take place in Korea on December 6th at 6 p.m. KST. BTS have been nominated in 6 categories. Voting will take place online through December 5, Vote Now

The nominations, which came during one of the most unpredictable years in modern history, highlighted the group’s resilience, creativity, and unwavering connection with fans around the world.

The six categories BTS was nominated in are:

Artist of the Year (BTS)
Song of the Year (“Dynamite”)
Worldwide Fans’ Choice (BTS)
Best Male Group (BTS)
Best Dance Performance – Male Group (“Dynamite”)
Best Collaboration – IU “eight” (Prod. & Feat. SUGA of BTS)

Let’s take a closer look at each category and why these nominations were especially meaningful in 2020.

1. Artist of the Year – BTS

This nomination was perhaps the most expected but no less significant. BTS had one of their most prolific years in 2020 despite the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their adaptability and drive allowed them to thrive in a digital-first world. From virtual performances to online fan engagements, BTS maintained an extraordinary presence. Their release of Map of the Soul: 7 in February 2020 broke numerous records globally, followed later in the year by the explosive success of “Dynamite,” their first full English-language single.

This nod for Artist of the Year was a reflection of BTS’s ability not only to dominate charts and headlines but to lead the music industry through an incredibly challenging time. Their commitment to meaningful content, connection with fans, and message of healing and hope made them the artist of the year in more ways than one.

2. Song of the Year – “Dynamite”

When BTS dropped “Dynamite” in August 2020, the world collectively took a breath of fresh air. Bright, retro-inspired, and entirely in English, the disco-pop anthem was a departure in style and a deliberate effort to lift spirits during the pandemic.

The song quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean act to ever reach No.1 on the chart. “Dynamite” was more than just a commercial hit—it was a cultural phenomenon, played at global events, news segments, and in homes across continents. The nomination for Song of the Year recognized both its musicality and the joy it brought to millions worldwide during a difficult year.

3. Worldwide Fans’ Choice – BTS

The “Worldwide Fans’ Choice” category is perhaps the most telling of BTS’s impact. Their fanbase, ARMY, is one of the most passionate and organized in the world. Despite the challenges of 2020, the connection between BTS and their fans never faltered. From virtual fan meetings to innovative online concerts like “Bang Bang Con: The Live” and “Map of the Soul ON:E,” BTS found new ways to interact and perform.

The nomination reflected the sheer magnitude of their international reach and how deeply they resonate with listeners from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s a testament to how BTS has broken through linguistic and cultural barriers to become a truly global act.

4. Best Male Group – BTS

This nomination might have felt like a given, but it was anything but routine. In 2020, BTS continued to push musical boundaries as a group while also highlighting individual growth among its members. RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook all had standout moments, whether through solo tracks on Map of the Soul: 7, participation in songwriting and producing, or even in solo performances.

Their chemistry, teamwork, and synchronized excellence in performances only grew stronger, showing the evolution of BTS from a promising boy band to industry trailblazers. The “Best Male Group” nomination underscored their continued dominance in the K-pop genre and beyond.

5. Best Dance Performance – Male Group (“Dynamite”)

When it comes to choreography, BTS is in a league of their own. The “Dynamite” performance was a delightful combination of retro flair, smooth transitions, and eye-catching details. What made it stand out was not just the technical skill but the feel-good energy that came through with every move.

With countless performances of “Dynamite” on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, America’s Got Talent, and Good Morning America, BTS demonstrated their ability to adapt and innovate in a year where stages looked very different. The “Best Dance Performance” nomination was a nod to their tireless dedication and creative precision—even in a year of virtual stages.

6. Best Collaboration – IU “eight” (Prod. & Feat. SUGA of BTS)

Outside of group activities, BTS members shone individually in 2020 as well. SUGA, known for his work as both a rapper and producer, collaborated with solo artist IU on the track “eight.” The song blended IU’s signature vocal style with SUGA’s production flair and emotional rap verse, creating a nostalgic yet refreshing piece of music.

“Eight” became a huge hit in South Korea and internationally, topping charts and receiving critical acclaim. This nomination celebrated not just the collaboration but the ability of BTS members to create powerful art outside the group context. It was also a reminder of SUGA’s multifaceted talent as both an artist and a producer.

2020 was not an easy year for anyone, but BTS turned adversity into an opportunity to connect even more deeply with their audience. Their six nominations at the 2020 MAMAs weren’t just about numbers or records—they reflected a year of innovation, resilience, and purpose. From delivering comfort through music to setting a global example in adapting to change, BTS proved why they continue to be at the forefront of pop culture. Their nominations celebrated not just musical achievements but the meaningful messages they brought to millions during a time of uncertainty.

The MAMAs have always been a stage for excellence in Asian music, and in 2020, BTS’s presence stood tall as a beacon of hope, creativity, and unity.

The criteria for the final winners are as follows:

Artist of the Year and Artist Category Awards – 30% official votes, 30% judge panel, 20% digital song sales, 20% physical album sales

Song of the Year and Song Genre Category Awards – 20% official votes, 40% judge panel, 30% digital song sales, 10% physical album sales

Album of the Year – 40% judge panel, 60% physical album sales

Worldwide Icon of the Year, Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10 – 60% official votes, 20% social media votes, 20% global music video views

Best Music Video – 70% judge panel, 30% global music video views

(In order to be eligible, the music must have been released between October 24, 2019 and October 28, 2020.)

Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10. (Nominees for the artist/genre categories, excluding Best OST and Best Collaboration, are automatically nominated. If both an individual artist and his/her group is eligible, then only the group is nominated.)

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