2026 MAMA Awards Nominations: BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG and TXT Feature Across Major Categories
The nominations for the 2026 MAMA Awards were announced on October 12, bringing together some of the biggest names in Korean pop music. BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Stray Kids, aespa and CORTIS are among the artists featured across this year's categories.
One of the major highlights is the Album of the Year category, where BTS's ARIRANG and BLACKPINK's DEADLINE are competing alongside releases by TXT, aespa, Stray Kids, ATEEZ and other popular K-pop acts. The nominations also recognise artists across music performance, choreography, music videos, collaboration and fan-voted categories.
The announcement has renewed attention among K-pop fans worldwide as supporters discuss the nominees and prepare to participate in the voting process.
BTS and BLACKPINK Compete for Album of the Year
BTS's ARIRANG and BLACKPINK's DEADLINE are among the prominent releases nominated for Album of the Year at the 2026 MAMA Awards.
The category includes 18 albums from established groups and newer acts. Other nominees include TXT's 7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns, aespa's LEMONADE, Stray Kids' THIS & THAT, ATEEZ's GOLDEN HOUR: Part.5, and EXO's REVERXE.
CORTIS has also earned a nomination with GREENGREEN, while IVE, ENHYPEN, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, RIIZE, TWS, PLAVE, BOYNEXTDOOR, ALPHA DRIVE ONE and &TEAM are represented in the category.
According to the published award criteria, Album of the Year is determined through jury evaluation and physical album sales, with the category limited to eligible albums that meet the sales threshold. The final result will therefore depend on the official evaluation process rather than online discussion alone.
BIGBANG and TXT Receive Recognition
BIGBANG and TXT are among the major names appearing in multiple parts of the nominations.
BIGBANG is nominated in the Best Male Group category. The group also appears in the Best Dance Performance Male Group category for BiiiG and in the Best Music Video category for the same release.
TXT is represented in the Best Male Group category, while member Yeonjun is nominated for Best Male Artist and Best Dance Performance Male Solo for Ice Cream. The group's album 7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns is also included in the Album of the Year field.
These nominations demonstrate how the awards recognise both group achievements and individual performances. Artists may be considered in different categories depending on their releases and the award's eligibility rules.
Stray Kids, aespa and CORTIS Also Feature
Stray Kids, aespa and CORTIS are among the other acts attracting attention in the nominations.
Stray Kids is nominated for Best Male Group and Best Dance Performance Male Group, while its album THIS & THAT appears in the Album of the Year category.
aespa is nominated for Best Female Group, and LEMONADE is included in the Album of the Year category. The group is also represented in Best Dance Performance Female Group for the same release. Its collaboration with G-Dragon, WDA, has earned recognition in the Best Collaboration category.
CORTIS appears in the Best Male Group category and is also nominated for Best Dance Performance Male Group and Best Choreography. Its album GREENGREEN is among the Album of the Year nominees.
The nominations include both established acts with international audiences and newer groups seeking to strengthen their position in the K-pop industry.
Fans' Choice Voting Begins
Alongside the nominations, the first round of Fans' Choice voting has opened. According to the published schedule, the first round runs until October 22 at 11:59 p.m. Korean Standard Time.
Fans can participate through the designated voting platforms, including Mnet Plus and X, according to the category's rules. The results of the initial round will determine which artists progress to the next stage of voting.
The Fans' Choice categories are separate from awards determined through jury evaluations, sales or streaming data. Their results depend heavily on eligible fan participation and the official voting process.
Fans should check the official MAMA Awards channels for the current nominee lists, voting instructions and deadlines before submitting their votes.
When and Where Will the 2026 MAMA Awards Take Place?
The 2026 MAMA Awards are scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Osaka, Japan. Organised by CJ ENM, the event is expected to bring together performers and fans for two days of K-pop celebrations.
The ceremony will also be streamed worldwide through Mnet Plus, according to the organiser's announcement. Further programme details and event information may be released through official channels as the ceremony approaches.
The MAMA Awards have become an established event in the international K-pop calendar, recognising achievements across music, performance and fan engagement. The 2026 nominations reflect the variety of artists and releases competing for recognition this year.
A Competitive Awards Season Ahead
With BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, TXT, Stray Kids, aespa and CORTIS represented across major categories, the 2026 MAMA Awards are set to attract attention from K-pop audiences around the world.
The Album of the Year field features a mix of high-profile releases and albums from emerging acts, while the performance categories highlight group choreography, solo performances, music videos and collaborations.
Although fan discussions and predictions are already developing, the final winners will be determined under the official criteria for each category. The November ceremony will reveal which artists take home the awards.
Until then, fans can follow the official nominee announcements, review voting requirements and support their favourite artists through the authorised platforms.
