BLACKPINK’s Rosé just rewrote K-pop history books. The global superstar became the first female K-pop artist and first K-pop soloist ever to receive Grammy nominations—not just one, but three separate nods for her viral smash hit “APT” featuring Bruno Mars. The achievement has fans declaring “Rosé paved the way” across social media platforms.
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Breaking Down BLACKPINK’s Rosé Grammy Milestone
The magnitude of this accomplishment cannot be overstated. Rosé secured nominations in two of the Recording Academy’s prestigious “Big Four” categories—Record of the Year and Song of the Year—alongside another major recognition. This places her achievement above any previous K-pop solo performance at the Grammys.
| Grammy Category | Song | Historic Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Record of the Year | APT (feat. Bruno Mars) | First K-pop soloist nominated |
| Song of the Year | APT (feat. Bruno Mars) | First female K-pop artist |
| [Third Category] | APT | Triple nomination achievement |
Before Rosé’s breakthrough, only BTS had represented K-pop at the Grammys, earning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance nominations three consecutive years (2021-2023) plus recognition for “Yet To Come” and their Coldplay collaboration “My Universe.”
From VMAs to Grammys: Rosé’s Winning Streak
This Grammy recognition follows her groundbreaking 2025 MTV Video Music Awards sweep. Rosé claimed the coveted Song of the Year trophy for “APT”—marking the first time any K-pop artist won a premier VMA category. She also accepted Best Group on behalf of BLACKPINK, their second win in that category.
Her acceptance speech in that stunning fringed yellow gown went viral, as she graciously acknowledged Bruno Mars’ contribution to their collaborative success. The track had already dominated with nominations across seven major VMA categories, including Video of the Year and Best Collaboration.
What Makes ‘APT’ So Special?
“APT” transcended typical K-pop boundaries by achieving authentic crossover appeal in Western markets. The song’s infectious melody combined with Bruno Mars’ star power created a formula that resonated with Grammy voters—notoriously selective about recognizing non-American artists.
The track’s success demonstrates how K-pop’s global influence continues expanding beyond dedicated fanbases into mainstream recognition. Rosé’s vocal prowess and artistic authenticity connected with audiences who might never have explored Korean music before.
The Bigger Picture for K-Pop
Rosé joins fellow K-pop nominees Ejae (nominated for “GOLDEN” from Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters) and global girl group KATSEYE (Best New Artist category). However, Rosé’s triple nomination in major categories stands as the genre’s most significant Grammy achievement to date.
Fans worldwide are celebrating this milestone as validation of K-pop’s artistic merit beyond commercial success. As BLACKPINK’s impact continues reshaping global music landscapes, Rosé’s individual recognition proves Korean artists can compete at the highest levels of Western music industry accolades.
The question now isn’t whether K-pop deserves Grammy recognition—Rosé has definitively answered that. The question is who will follow in her footsteps and how far K-pop’s Grammy journey will go from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has any K-pop artist won a Grammy before?
No K-pop artist has won a Grammy yet. BTS came closest with three consecutive Best Pop Duo/Group Performance nominations (2021-2023) and additional nods for “Yet To Come” and their Coldplay collaboration. Rosé’s three nominations represent K-pop’s strongest Grammy presence to date.
What’s the difference between Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys?
Record of the Year recognizes the overall recording performance and production, honoring artists, producers, and engineers. Song of the Year celebrates songwriting and composition, awarded to the songwriters. Rosé’s nominations in both categories acknowledge her comprehensive artistic contribution to “APT.”
