May 25 (Reuters) - Indie musician Sombr and the voices

behind "KPop Demon Hunters" took home some of the first trophies

on Monday at the American Music Awards, the annual honors

determined by fan votes.

The 20-year-old Sombr was named the recipient of best

rock/alternative song for his hit "Back to Friends."

"I wrote this song when I was 19 and depressed all by myself

in my bedroom," he said on stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena

in Las Vegas. "So being here, I never would have expected that."

Song of the year went to "Golden," the upbeat tune from the

Netflix ( NFLX ) animated movie "KPop Demon Hunters." The award

seemed to surprise EJAE, one of the singers in the movie's

fictional group HUNTR/X.

"Oh my god! Oh my goodness," EJAE said to cheers before

thanking fans for voting for the song.

The show opened with K-pop band BTS, dressed in all-black

outfits and black sunglasses, singing "Hooligan" from the Vegas

concert stop on the group's Arirang Tour.

"The energy is crazy in here!" shouted host Queen Latifah

from the stage.

Taylor Swift led the field with eight nominations going into

the ceremony, which aired live on CBS and Paramount+.

The pop superstar has claimed more AMA honors than any other

artist over her career.

Swift was competing for the top prize of artist of the year

with Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and

others. Her album, "The Life of a Showgirl," was nominated for

album of the year.