May 26 (Reuters) - South Korean boy band BTS, a globally popular group, won the top prize for Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, a public-voted ceremony held in Las Vegas on Monday.

The group, which recently returned to the global stage after the members completed their military service, also won the Best Male K-Pop Artist award and the Song of the Summer award for their single "Swim".

BTS triumphed in the Artist of the Year category, competing against heavyweight stars such as Taylor Swift, who has won more American Music Awards than any other musician throughout her career, as well as Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, and others.

"We did it again!" BTS member RM told cheering fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The group won the same award in 2021.

RM added, "As always, we extend our deepest gratitude to ARMYs around the world," referring to the band's fan base. "You have stood by us for 13 years."

BTS went on hiatus in 2022 as all seven members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea. They returned in March with their fifth album, "Arirang."

Katsai, an international girl group with members from four countries, won three awards, including Best New Artist of the Year.

Swift was the frontrunner before the ceremony, having received eight nominations, but she did not win any awards and did not attend the ceremony.

Carpenter, who also did not attend the ceremony, won Album of the Year for her album (Man's Best Friend) and two other awards.

Billy Idol, a rock icon of the 1980s, received a lifetime achievement award. The 70-year-old artist spoke about his beginnings in punk rock in 1976.