K-pop dynamos BTS is really setting out to prove their growing popularity on an international scale as the group recently beat the likes of Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Chance the Rapper, Drake and other international artists at the 9th Shorty Awards. BTS took the prize for Best in Music.
According to a report by Hello Kppop, this year's awards were determined through five million votes and the Real Time Academy. Shorty Awards Co-Founder Gregory Galant said that the popularity of this year's awards doubled leading to high volume of the response they got.
Aside from Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Chance the Rapper and Drake, BTS also beat out other nominees like Ingrid Michaelson, Mac Miller, Missy Elliott, Solange, Tegan & Sara, The 1975, and Twenty One Pilot which made for a very diversified line up. According to a report by Soompi, Korean dance studio 1Million also won an award in the dance category.
A testament to the growing fan base of BTS are the sold out shows in different countries. They recently concluded their sold out Wings Tour performances in the US, selling out big stadiums and even holding second night performances in some major cities like New Jersey and California because of huge fan clamor.
BTS leader Rap Monster, in a recent interview said that their music's appeal mainly stems from the group's hands on attitude when it comes to writing, production and even choreography. He said they also draw inspiration from the experiences of young people so their music becomes relatable to ARMY members all around the world. Rap Monster added that they also do not limit themselves to a specific genre but rather incorporate elements of Western, Asian and other types of music to their material.
Lastly, he credited the fans for bringing their music closer to the world. Kpopstarz reported the BTS leader as saying: "Thanks to our fans because they translate our music and our interviews into their languages.That is how they resonate and (they) feel the same feelings with us."
