ILLIT, the only 5th generation group nominated for the 'American Music Awards'

The Only 5th Generation Girl Group Nominated for 'American Music Awards'

The group ILLIT has been nominated for 'Best Female K-Pop Artist' at the '2026 American Music Awards' in the United States. Among the 5th generation girl groups nominated this year, ILLIT is the only one. Started in 1974, the American Music Awards is a prestigious awards ceremony that selects winners based on a comprehensive evaluation of streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, and tour performance. This year's ceremony will be held on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, and will be broadcast live via CBS and Paramount+.

Global Power Proven by Three Consecutive Billboard Entries

ILLIT's recent nomination is supported by their consistent global chart performance. They have entered the US 'Billboard 200' chart for three consecutive times with their 1st mini album 'SUPER REAL ME', 2nd mini album 'I'LL LIKE YOU', and 3rd mini album 'bomb'. Their debut song 'Magnetic' reached number 91 on the 'Billboard Hot 100', and the title track of their 1st single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' climbed to number 7 on the 'Bubbling Under Hot 100'. Previously, they received the 'Best New K-Pop Artist' award at the '2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards' and were also named nominees for the '2024 Billboard Music Awards' and the '2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMA)'. In Japan, they also won the 'Excellence Award' at the Japan Record Awards, being the only overseas artist to do so.

Concept Reveal for Japanese Second Single 'I Got Your Back'

ILLIT is also ramping up its push into the Japanese market. On the 26th and 27th, they released the 'Armor' version concept photos and films for their second Japanese single 'I Got Your Back' through their official social media channels. The released film captures the members advancing confidently even in a dramatic situation where member Iroha's hairclip button turns into a bullet and attacks. The new single will include a total of three songs, including 'Sunday Morning', the opening theme song for the second season of the anime 'Princess "Torture" Time'. The digital single will be pre-released on July 26, and the physical album will be officially released on the 29th. A special version in collaboration with the Japanese street fashion magazine 'FRUiTS' will also be released.

Sold-out Japanese Tour and Local Broadcast Appearances

ILLIT will be active throughout Japan this summer. Their first solo tour, 'ILLIT LIVE ‘PRESS START♥︎’ in JAPAN', held at Sunpalace in Fukuoka on the 29th and 30th, recorded a sell-out for all shows as soon as ticket sales began. Due to fan requests, additional restricted view seats and standing seats for some performances have been opened. Following this, on July 1, they will appear on Fuji TV's '2026 FNS Music Festival Summer' to perform a joint stage with the popular local group Cutie Street.