The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards have officially announced their nominations, and it’s a historic moment for K-pop! BLACKPINK‘s Rosé is leading the charge with an incredible 8 nominations, tying with Sabrina Carpenter for the second-most nominations among female artists. Meanwhile, the Best K-pop category has become the most competitive battleground in VMA history.
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BLACKPINK Rosé’s Record-Breaking Achievement: 8 VMA Nominations
BLACKPINK’s main vocalist has achieved something extraordinary – Rosé tied with Sabrina Carpenter for the 2nd most number of nominations for a female act at this year’s ceremony, falling only behind Lady Gaga, who stood on top as the most among all, with her dozen nods.
The majority of Rosé’s nominations stem from her viral collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars, which has dominated global charts and social media platforms since its release.
Rosé’s Complete Nomination Breakdown
| Category | Song/Video | Collaboration |
|---|---|---|
| Video of the Year | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Song of the Year | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Best Collaboration | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Best Pop | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Best Direction | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Best Art Direction | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Best Visual Effects | APT. | with Bruno Mars |
| Best K-pop | Toxic Till the End | Solo |
The Ultimate K-pop Showdown: Best K-pop Category
The Best K-pop category has never been more competitive, featuring a stellar lineup of solo artists and groups that represent the genre’s incredible diversity and global reach.
2025 Best K-pop Nominees
| Artist | Song | Group/Solo |
|---|---|---|
| aespa | Whiplash | Group |
| Jennie (BLACKPINK) | Like Jennie | Solo |
| Jimin (BTS) | Who | Solo |
| Jisoo (BLACKPINK) | Earthquake | Solo |
| Lisa (BLACKPINK) | Born Again (ft. Doja Cat & Raye) | Solo |
| Rosé (BLACKPINK) | Toxic Till the End | Solo |
| Stray Kids | Chk Chk Boom | Group |
Historic BLACKPINK Achievement: All Members Nominated
For the first time in VMA history, all four BLACKPINK members have received nominations in the same year. Impressively, all members of the K-pop girl group grabbed a nomination, with Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa making appearances under the Best K-pop Award.
This unprecedented achievement showcases BLACKPINK’s individual star power and their successful solo careers alongside their group activities.
For more K-pop industry updates and award show coverage, check our K-pop news section and music awards coverage.
Jimin Makes History as Solo Male K-pop Representative
BTS’ Jimin becomes the only K-pop male soloist to be nominated in VMAs 2025 with ‘WHO’, marking a significant milestone for male solo artists in the genre. His nomination alongside the BLACKPINK members creates an exciting dynamic in the Best K-pop category.
Jimin’s “Who” has been praised for its innovative sound and stunning visual presentation, making it a strong contender against the fierce competition.
The Global Impact of “APT.” Phenomenon
Rosé’s “APT.” collaboration with Bruno Mars has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking multiple records:
- Fastest Asian music video to hit 1.5 billion views in just 184 days
- Top 10 placement on Billboard Hot 100
- Viral TikTok challenge with millions of user-generated videos
- Record-breaking streaming numbers across all platforms
The song’s success represents the perfect fusion of Western and Eastern musical elements, appealing to diverse global audiences.
Stay updated with the latest music industry trends through our global music news and viral music moments.
What These Nominations Mean for K-pop’s Future
The 2025 VMAs represent a watershed moment for K-pop’s mainstream acceptance. With multiple categories featuring K-pop artists competing against global superstars, the genre has firmly established itself as a dominant force in worldwide entertainment.
The diversity within the Best K-pop category – from girl group aespa to solo artists to boy group Stray Kids – demonstrates the genre’s incredible range and evolution.
The Competition Heats Up
Beyond K-pop, the 2025 VMAs feature intense competition across all categories. Lady Gaga leads with 12 nominations, followed by Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter with 8 each. This positioning places K-pop artists among the year’s most celebrated musical acts.
For comprehensive awards season coverage and music industry analysis, visit our entertainment awards and pop culture trends sections.
Mark Your Calendars: VMAs 2025
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will take place on September 7, 2025, where we’ll discover which K-pop acts will take home the coveted Moon Person trophies.
With such strong K-pop representation, this year’s ceremony promises to be a celebration of global music diversity and the continued rise of Korean entertainment on the world stage.
For more K-pop coverage and music award updates, explore our K-pop industry insights and music award predictions sections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many nominations did BLACKPINK’s Rosé receive at the 2025 VMAs?
A: Rosé received 8 nominations at the 2025 VMAs, tying with Sabrina Carpenter for the second-most nominations among female artists. Seven of her nominations are for her collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars, while one is for her solo song “Toxic Till the End” in the Best K-pop category.
Q: Which K-pop artists are competing in the Best K-pop category at the 2025 VMAs?
A: The Best K-pop category features aespa (“Whiplash”), BLACKPINK’s Jennie (“Like Jennie”), BTS’ Jimin (“Who”), BLACKPINK’s Jisoo (“Earthquake”), BLACKPINK’s Lisa (“Born Again” ft. Doja Cat & Raye), BLACKPINK’s Rosé (“Toxic Till the End”), and Stray Kids (“Chk Chk Boom”).
