BTS bagged the award for the top-selling song at the Billboard Music Awards, overtaking the female singing group Destiny’s Child in the number of trophies won by a group at the awards.

The global sensation won three new awards Sunday from Billboard: Top Duo/Group, Top Selling Song for "Butter," and Top Song Sales Artist. This brings the group’s total BBMA’s trophies to 12 since 2017. Meanwhile, bestselling singing trio Destiny’s Child boasts of 11 wins by a group at the BBMAs - a record that remained unbeaten for 17 years.

The boy band, composed of RM, Jimin, J-Hope, Jungkook, Jin, Suga and V, earlier said they would not be attending this year’s BBMAs as they were busy preparing for the launch of their comeback album, "PROOF" on June 10.

In 2021, too, the seven-piece act failed to attend the ceremony due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. Instead, they pulled off a stunning taped performance of “Butter” before the group was named Best K-pop Act. BTS was also hailed Top Group of the year.

In this year’s BBMAs, the group won three out of six nominations. They failed to snag the trophies for Top Billboard Global Artist (Excluding U.S.) which went to Ed Sheeran; Top Billboard Global Song (Excluding U.S.) which was won by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber for “STAY,” and Top Rock Song which went to Måneskin for “Beggin.”

BTS fans, collectively known as ARMY, took to Twitter and expressed their joy for the band’s winning streak at the BBMAs.

One user wrote, “From getting mocked for winning paper award to becoming the most awarded group in bbmas history and breaking a 17 year record. Aaaaaaaaaaand.”

Another said, “It started when they won the TSA award back in 2017. And now, #BTS is the most awarded group in the history of BBMAs! Congratulations @BTS_TWT.”

An ARMY tweeted a collection of clips of BTS members sharing happy moments during performances and wrote, “BTS are made for history books, TRULY LEGENDS!! [BTS BTS BTS] .”

Sunday’s event was held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Aside from BTS, other significant winners included Doja Cat for Top R&B Artist and Megan Thee Stallion for Top Female Rap Artist. Furthermore, Janet Jackson presented the Billboard Icon award to Mary J. Blige.

BTS, all in their 20s and often sporting earrings and lipstick, appeal to a generation comfortable with gender fluidity
BTS, all in their 20s and often sporting earrings and lipstick, appeal to a generation comfortable with gender fluidity AFP / MARK RALSTON
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