ROSÉ won Song of the Year at the MTV VMA with APT. featuring Bruno Mars. She became the first K-pop artist to secure this major category. Fans celebrated her triumph while BLACKPINK members also gained solo nominations.
ROSÉ Makes History with MTV VMA Win
BLACKPINK star ROSÉ reached a historic milestone at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards with her duet APT. alongside Bruno Mars. On September 7, she captured the Song of the Year award at UBS Arena in New York. This marked the first time a K-pop artist ever won in this prestigious category. The achievement confirmed ROSÉ as a leading figure in the global music scene.
ROSÉ Delivers Emotional Speech at MTV VMA
Dressed in a radiant golden gown, ROSÉ accepted the trophy with disbelief. She thanked Bruno Mars for his trust and collaboration. ROSÉ emphasized the award as recognition for her years of effort. Switching into Korean, she addressed producer Teddy and her BLACKPINK members. Smiling, she said she had finally won and thanked them with affection.
ROSÉ Achieves Multiple MTV VMA Nominations
Her duet APT. secured seven nominations, including Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects. Her solo album Rosie and its title track Toxic Till the End also earned a Best K-pop nomination. ROSÉ became the first K-pop artist nominated for Video of the Year. She also became the first K-pop act since BTS in 2021 to reach Song of the Year consideration. While BTS lost with Dynamite, ROSÉ claimed victory this time.
ROSÉ Reaction Highlights MTV VMA Milestone
After learning of her eight nominations, ROSÉ expressed overwhelming shock. She admitted she could hardly find words to describe the moment. She called the recognition unbelievable and almost too much to process. Fans and critics praised her raw honesty, noting her genuine passion for music and gratitude for the recognition.
The Prestige of American Music Ceremonies
The MTV VMAs stand among the top four American music ceremonies, alongside the Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. Industry observers wondered whether ROSÉ could break new ground by becoming the first K-pop girl group member to win a major category. Her victory not only ended the speculation but also symbolized the growing influence of K-pop in the U.S. market.
BLACKPINK Members Gain Solo Recognition
This year highlighted the individual strength of all BLACKPINK members. JENNIE earned a nomination with like JENNIE, JISOO with Earthquake, and LISA with Doja Cat on Born Again. For JENNIE and JISOO, these nominations marked their first MTV VMA recognition as soloists. Their achievements reflected the group’s ability to shine both together and individually.
Fans Respond with Pride and Excitement
In the Korean community MLBPARK, fans celebrated ROSÉ’s achievement with admiration. Many described her as rising toward “GOAT” status among female performers. Some argued that even as all members pursued solo careers, ROSÉ had established herself as the top figure. Others explained the significance of the MTV VMAs to those less familiar, highlighting its role as a bridge between Korean fans and global music culture.

ROSÉ won Song of the Year at the MTV VMA with APT. featuring Bruno Mars, becoming the first K-pop artist to earn the award.
Thank you so much for reading this post! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!
Even though K-Pop Demon Hunters made me forget for a bit, late last year and early this year, Rosé’s APT. swept the world. K-pop’s hits just keep on coming.