BTS returned to the iHeartRadio Music Festival for the first time since 2018, while Le Sserafim became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the event at T-Mobile Arena.
BTS and Le Sserafim shared the spotlight at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, each marking a milestone at T-Mobile Arena. The two-night festival, held September 18 and 19, 2026, brought international attention to the Strip, with both groups representing the Hybe label. According to the official festival lineup, BTS performed on Friday, September 18, and Le Sserafim took the stage on Saturday, September 19.
BTS closed out the first night, returning to the festival for the first time since 2018. Their set focused on the "BTS 2.0" concept, tied to their latest album and current direction as a group. They opened with "Swim" from their fifth LP "Arirang," with wave visuals filling the arena screens. The set continued with "2.0," the 2017 track "Mic Drop," and "Fya," all backed by special effects and large-scale visuals. This marked BTS's first major U.S. festival appearance since completing military service. The group thanked fans for their support, with RM noting how Army continues to sing along in Korean, even 14 years after BTS's debut. As reported by Chosun English, this was their first iHeartRadio Music Festival since their military hiatus, making their return a notable moment for both the group and their fans.
Le Sserafim performed the following night, becoming the first K-pop girl group to appear at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. This milestone was confirmed by several independent reports and highlighted by their agency, Source Music. The five members opened with "Made My Night," a collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment for Overwatch, then moved into "Boompala" from their LP "Pureflow, Pt. 1." Their set also included "Iconic By Mistake," "Saki," "Spaghetti," and "Crazy." For "Iconic By Mistake," released in June with Illit and Katseye, Le Sserafim performed a shortened version featuring only their part. The group wore coordinated outfits with cowboy boots, plaid, and denim, blending K-pop style with festival fashion. Before their set, Le Sserafim posted a photo with BTS, marking the back-to-back appearances of Hybe artists at the festival.
Festival lineup and Las Vegas impact
This year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival also featured Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, Muse, and Zara Larsson, adding to Las Vegas’s reputation as a destination for major international music events. The festival at T-Mobile Arena continues to draw diverse crowds and global attention, building on the city’s busy calendar of concerts and residencies. Las Vegas has recently hosted a wide range of acts, as reported earlier, reinforcing its role as a live music hub. The 2026 festival was presented by Capital One and streamed live on Disney+ and Hulu, with Ryan Seacrest as host, according to official coverage.
What set these performances apart
BTS’s return after six years and Le Sserafim’s debut as the first K-pop girl group at the festival reflect the growing demand for global pop acts in Las Vegas. Both groups used immersive visuals, special effects, and cross-media collaborations—such as Le Sserafim’s Overwatch tie-in—to connect with audiences. The back-to-back sets by Hybe artists also point to the label’s increasing presence on the U.S. festival scene. Coverage published on September 20 confirmed BTS performed on the opening night and Le Sserafim followed on the second, completing consecutive appearances by Hybe acts at the same festival.
With T-Mobile Arena attracting top international artists and fanbases, Las Vegas continues to strengthen its position as a stage for global music trends. Hosting acts like BTS and Le Sserafim alongside established Western artists broadens the city’s entertainment offerings and keeps it central to the live music scene. This double milestone at the iHeartRadio Music Festival shows how Las Vegas adapts to new genres and audiences with each major event.
