“That’s a slap on MAMA’s face”- Fans react as ILLIT, LE SSERAFIM, ENHYPEN, & more get 2024 BBMAs nominations amid alleged MAMA Awards snubs

On November 26, 2024, the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) unveiled their list of nominees, sparking excitement and debate among fans, particularly those of K-pop artists. The nominations recognized various Korean acts, including ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, Stray Kids, and BTS members Jungkook and Jimin.

The announcement, however, raised discussions on social media. Fans compared the BBMAs’ recognition to the perceived controversies surrounding the 2024 MAMA Awards.

The nominations feature several artists who were notably overlooked or allegedly snubbed at the MAMA Awards held earlier this month in Los Angeles and Osaka.

The contrast between the two events has been a hot topic online, with fans criticizing MAMA’s selection process and celebrating Billboard’s more inclusive and global approach.

The MAMA Awards, while showcasing K-pop’s worldwide popularity with vibrant performances, were overshadowed by allegations of unfair practices.

This controversy led to hashtags like #MAMARigged trending on social media, with fans demanding clarity from CJ ENM, the organizers of the MAMA Awards.

In contrast, the BBMAs’ recognition of these artists has been praised.

On social media, fans described the BBMAs nominations as a symbolic “slap on MAMA’s face,” with the former being celebrated for its perceived credibility and transparency. An X user, @gyuwon423 wrote:

"Billboard being the only award show who's getting the right nominations. Like that's a slap on Mama's face."

Many fans view it as a validation of K-pop’s global significance and a sharp critique of MAMA’s alleged regional favoritism.

"billboard saw what MAMA did to lesserafim and illit so they knew what they had to do," another netizen commented.

"It seems like MAMA and Billboard have very different perspectives," an X user wrote.

"I believe the MAMA is for local artists and BBMA is more Global," a fan mentioned.

"notice how the mama rigged ones are nominated on billboard??," a user remarked on X.

Some also stated that the BBMAs nominations reflect a broader, global recognition of K-pop’s influence, which they argue was not mirrored in the MAMA Awards.

"yk mama was the problem when #they got nominated at the 2024 billboard music awards instead! we love you ensserallit," a fan commented.

"MAMA is rigged and Billboard is obvi not. it's that simple," an X user mentioned.

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Some controversies in the 2024 MAMA Awards and the complete list of the BBMAs K-pop nominations

After the MAMA Awards were aired, fans expressed outrage over discrepancies in voting and judging, especially in major categories like the Fans’ Choice Daesang. BTS’ Jimin took home the grand award, but ENHYPEN fans questioned the transparency of the results.

Jimin’s supporters defended his win, pointing to the ongoing success of his solo projects even during his military service.

Meanwhile, other controversies arose as fans of groups like LE SSERAFIM and ATEEZ expressed disappointment over their noticeable exclusion from the main categories.

LE SSERAFIM’s Perfect Night and ATEEZ’s year of remarkable achievements were largely overlooked, raising more allegations of bias.

Here is the complete list of all K-pop acts nominated at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards:

Top Duo/group:

1. Stray Kids

Top Songs Sales Artist:

1. Jungkook

Top Global K-pop Artist:

1. ENHYPEN
2. BTS' Jimin
3. BTS' Jungkook
4. Stray Kids
5. TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Top K-pop Touring Artist:

1. ENHYPEN
2. SEVENTEEN
3. TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Top K-pop Album:

1. ATEEZ- THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL
2. BTS' Jungkook - GOLDEN
3. Stray Kids - ROCK-STAR and Ate: Mini Album
4. TOMORROW X TOGETHER - The Name Chapter: FREEFALL

Top Selling Songs:

1. BTS' Jungkook - Standing Next to You

Top Global K-pop song:

1. ILLIT - Magnetic
2. BTS' Jimin- Who
3. BTS' Jungkook - Standing Next to You and 3D (feat. Jack Harlow)
4. LE SSERAFIM - Perfect Night

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The upcoming BBMAs will be hosted by comedian and actress Michelle Buteau. The event is set to air on December 12, 2024.