Deftones, Sleep Token & Linkin Park Shut Out At The 2026 American Music Awards

Despite strong representation from the rock and metal worlds at this year’s American Music Awards, heavier artists ultimately left the ceremony empty-handed during tonight’s event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Acts including Deftones, Sleep Token, and Linkin Park were all nominated across multiple rock and alternative categories, though the night largely belonged to Twenty One Pilots and sombr.

While they failed to secure wins, all three heavier acts have continued to post major commercial momentum over the past year. Sleep Token recently made chart history with Even In Arcadia while launching an ambitious arena touring cycle. Deftones likewise experienced a major resurgence behind their latest album private music, which debuted inside the Billboard 200 Top 5. Meanwhile, Linkin Park have continued their successful comeback run supporting From Zero and its expanded deluxe edition.

The outcome also echoed this year’s GRAMMY Awards, where Deftones, Sleep Token, and Linkin Park similarly went home without victories despite multiple nominations.

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Winners & Nominees

Best Rock/Alternative Artist

• Twenty One Pilots (winner)
• Linkin Park
• The Marías
• 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 Marías – Submarine Tour
• Megan Moroney – Am I Okay? Tour
• Sleep Token – Even In Arcadia Tour

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