K-Pop Star Sets New Milestone at Music Awards
Rosé of BLACKPINK achieved a groundbreaking moment at the 66th Grammy Awards, becoming the first solo K-pop artist to perform at the prestigious ceremony. The singer joined Bruno Mars for a high-energy rendition of their collaborative hit ‘APT.’, marking their first live performance of the chart-topping track.
Record-Breaking Performance
The electrifying duet featured Rosé commanding the stage while Mars showcased his guitar skills. Their performance of the lead single from Rosé’s debut solo album ‘Rosie’ celebrated the song’s extraordinary success, having reached #1 in charts across 50 countries since its 2024 release.
Historic Nominations
Rosé’s appearance coincided with multiple Grammy nominations for ‘APT.’, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year – making her the first K-pop artist recognized as a main performer in the ceremony’s top categories. Analysis shows this recognition marks a significant shift in the Grammys’ engagement with global music trends.
Category Outcomes
Despite the nominations, ‘APT.’ did not secure wins in any of its three nominated categories. Kendrick Lamar and SZA claimed Record of the Year for ‘Luther’, while Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for ‘Wildflower’. The Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award went to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for ‘Defying Gravity’.
Other Notable Moments
The 2026 ceremony featured standout performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Tyler, The Creator, and Lola Young. Significant winners included Bad Bunny and Olivia Dean, who both used acceptance speeches to address immigration policies during their respective victories.
BLACKPINK’s Future Projects
While Rosé continues her solo success, BLACKPINK recently announced their upcoming mini-album ‘Deadline’. This third EP follows 2018’s ‘Square Up’ and 2019’s ‘Kill This Love’, building on the momentum from their 2022 full-length release ‘Born Pink’.
Video of the historic ‘APT.’ performance circulated widely on social media platforms following the broadcast, with fans celebrating Rosé’s milestone moment in music industry representation.
