April 17, 2026
Queens of K-Pop: The AMA Best Female K-Pop Nominees Are Here!
The nominees for Best Female K-Pop at this year’s American Music Awards have been announced, and the category is absolutely stacked: Aespa, Blackpink, Twice, Le Sserafim, and rookie sensation Illit are all in the running — and honestly, choosing a winner feels impossible.
Blackpink, of course, arrive as the global heavyweights of the group. Already one of the biggest girl groups on the planet, they continue to dominate both together and apart, with each member making waves through solo projects. Most notably, Rosé scored a massive worldwide smash with APT., her infectious collaboration with Bruno Mars, which picked up multiple international accolades and proved once again that Blackpink’s star power knows no limits.
Aespa have had another huge year, cementing themselves as one of K-pop’s most innovative acts. Known for their futuristic concept, bold visuals, and genre-bending sound, the quartet have built a reputation for pushing boundaries while delivering chart-topping hits that fans can’t get enough of.
Then there’s Twice, the veteran queens who continue to prove their staying power. With their signature catchy hooks, polished performances, and loyal global fanbase, Twice remain one of the most beloved and consistent forces in K-pop, effortlessly bridging generations of fans.
Le Sserafim have rapidly become one of the hottest names in the industry, thanks to their fierce confidence, fashion-forward image, and empowering anthems. Their rise has been meteoric, and their nomination shows just how quickly they’ve become major players on the international stage.
And let’s hear it for Illit — the newcomers shaking things up in a big way. Only debuting in 2024, they’ve already landed an AMA nomination, which is no small feat. Their fresh energy, youthful charm, and fast-growing fanbase make them the wildcard in this line-up, and possibly the biggest surprise success story of the year.
With powerhouse veterans, trendsetting innovators, and exciting rookies all in one category, this year’s Best Female K-Pop race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Whoever takes the trophy, one thing is certain: female K-pop is thriving, evolving, and taking over the world.
Link to kpop Male Nominees here.
Written by DJ Sam Soju
Listen to KpopwithSam every Week on Monday
6pm London on Hoxton Radio
1pm New York on The Face Radio
Follow on TikTok – KpopwithSam
Listen Kpop DJ Mixes on Mixcloud



