The 2026 American Music Awards took place on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the rock and alternative categories, the awards were won by Twenty One Pilots and sombr, while nominated heavy music artists Linkin Park, Deftones, and Sleep Token did not receive awards.
This outcome reflects the results of the 2026 Grammy Awards, where these three bands were also nominated but did not win. All three acts have maintained active touring schedules and commercial presence over the past year.
The masked British collective Sleep Token made chart history in 2025 with their latest album, Even In Arcadia, which propelled the band into a highly elaborate, sold-out arena tour. Meanwhile, alternative metal legends Deftones enjoyed a banner year, headlining their own arena run in support of their tenth studio album, private music, which debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, Linkin Park continued to dominate stadiums globally, touring extensively behind their massive comeback album, From Zero, and its subsequent deluxe edition.
Below is a breakdown of the rock and alternative categories from the 2026 American Music Awards, including the winners and nominees.
Best Rock/Alternative Artist:
- Twenty One Pilots (Winner)
- Linkin Park
- The Marias
- Sleep Token
- Deftones
Best Rock/Alternative Song:
- sombr – “back to friends” (Winner)
- Linkin Park – “Up From The Bottom“
- Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide“
- Sublime – “Ensenada“
- Tame Impala – “Dracula“
Best Rock/Alternative Album:
- sombr – I Barely Know Her (Winner)
- Sleep Token – Even In Arcadia
- Tame Impala – Deadbeat
- Twenty One Pilots – Breach
- Zach Bryan – With Heaven On Top
Breakout Tour:
- Benson Boone – “American Heart World Tour” (Winner)
- Kali Uchis – “The Sincerely, Tour“
- The Marias – “Submarine Tour“
- Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay? Tour“
- Sleep Token – “Even In Arcadia Tour“
