BTS returns to the iHeartRadio Music Festival stage after 6 years... a spectacular start with 'SWIM'

BTS (BTS·RM, Jin, Suga, J-HOPE, Jimin, V, Jungkook) performed as the final act on September 18 (local time) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA, during the ’2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival.’ This stage, themed ’BTS 2.0,’ used video, lighting, and special effects to depict BTS’s journey through growth and liberation toward a new phase. The performance symbolized the members’ rise and progress, accompanied by stage space transformations and expansions. The performance began with the title track ″SWIM″ from their fifth studio album ″ARIRANG.″ The LED screen featured a large aquarium with rippling water and blue lighting to enhance immersion. In the following track ″2.0,″ the members rode an elevator ascending upward to express ″rising,″ while the Las Vegas nightscape unfolded on the LED screen. Next, during the ″MIC Drop″ and ″FYA″ stages, the production conveyed the message of ″advancement″ with visuals of passing through a tunnel and extending into space. The final song ″FYA″ featured seven comets crashing into the desert, igniting a massive blaze, complemented by lighting and special effects to conclude the performance. Before going on stage, BTS shared their thoughts in an interview about appearing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival for the first time in about six years. The members spoke about their fandom ARMY, saying, ″They are literally the best fans in the world. It’s truly amazing how they sing along to every Korean lyric.″ The iHeartRadio Music Festival is a major American music event that brings together global pop stars, held this year over two days on the 18th and 19th. In addition to BTS, global artists such as Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and Benson Boone also performed.