2026 American Music Awards Odds, Best Bets, and Predictions

I’ll kick things off with a swing at a better return, as I’m going to take Justin Bieber (+170) over Harry Styles (-170)! Nominations are based on sales, social media, video, and airplay numbers. However, the public votes on the winner.

While Styles sold a lot of records with Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, Bieber got a huge reaction for his performance at Coachella, and Swag was a hit double album . Both have been a staple in pop music for what seems like forever. But I’m willing to take a chance on Bieber’s American Music Awards betting odds in this spot at +170!

Let’s keep the momentum going and take another under in the Best Rock/Alternative Album. Twenty One Pilots is the American Music Award betting favorite here for Breach, but I’m taking SOMBR’s I Barely Know Her at +225. The 20-year-old New York City native had a huge breakout year and was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys.

Zach Bryan could have a small upset with With Heaven on Top, but I think it’s between the top two options in this 2026 AMA betting market. I’m going for the larger return and backing SOMBR to win the American Music Award here.

This is a very strong category, but “Golden” was absolutely everywhere over the last year. As the second single from KPop Demon Hunters, it received a lot of exposure. It also won the Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe, and Academy Award for Best Song, as well as the Best Song Written for Visual Media.

To be favored over Lady Gaga is no small feat, especially when “Abracadabra” was a juggernaut itself. But at -130, I think “Golden” is actually underpriced in this spot.

This could be the toughest category of the American Music Awards betting markets, with everyone in plus odds. The big battle is between Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” and the aforementioned “Golden” by HUNTR/X.

Both songs and artists have huge fanbases, but I’ve got to lean towards Taylor and the Swifties here at +120. If it’s chosen by the public, you’d be hard-pressed to find an artist with more fans than swift, even those in the K-Pop genre. I wouldn’t be shocked if “Golden” won, but I’ll take “The Fate of Ophelia” here.

It’s a solid class of new artists this year, but Olivia Dean should get the nod over SOMBR. The 27-year-old English singer won the Grammy, powered by a popular performance on “Saturday Night Live” back in December.

SOMBR was actually the Grammy favorite for Best New Artist before that, and he put up a good fight, but at -110, I think it’s a bargain to bet on Dean at that price.