The APT. era is undefeated — Rosé becomes the first K-pop artist to sweep major VMA categories 😍
While Lady Gaga is flexing with 12 nominations and Bruno Mars is right behind her with 11, Rosé just went and made history: she’s the first K-pop artist to practically sweep a major Western music award show’s nominations. Eight — yes, eight — nods at the 2025 MTV VMAS.
If you’ve been lurking around here, you already know I majorly fangirl over Rosé. (I’ve reviewed Messy and On My Mind — iconic.) Don’t get me wrong, I love BLACKPINK as a group but if we’re talking pure talent? Rosé has always been that girl.
So when all the members went off to do their solo thing, Rosé didn’t just hold her own — she outshined the rest. Vocals on point, song choices flawless, and then came the cultural reset that was her global smash hit ‘APT.’ with none other than Bruno Mars.
Clearly, the VMAs felt the magic too, because APT. landed her and Bruno a mind blowing list of noms. That’s the most nods a K-pop artist has received in major categories, ever. And sure, Bruno Mars is a powerhouse, but let’s be real — the song is what brought out the spark.
Together, Rosé and Bruno Mars racked up nominations in the following major categories for their song “APT.”:
- Video of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Best Collaboration
- Best Pop
- Best Direction
- Best Art Direction
- Best Visual Effects
And let’s not forget — Rosé is also nominated for Best K-pop with her solo track ‘Toxic till the End’ (Obsessed 😭).
Of course, it will be a tough competition as she has to go up against so many good songs — including ‘Die with a Smile’ , which is the track that her collaborator Bruno Mars collaborated with Lady Gaga. Which means Bruno is literally competing against himself in half these categories. Man’s about to self-sabotage his own trophy count. 😂
On another note, congrats are still in order as all BLACKPINK members managed to score a nomination in the Best K-pop category — with other K-pop stars:
- Aespa – ‘Whiplash’
- Jennie – ‘Like Jennie’
- Jimin – ‘Who’
- Jisoo- ‘Earthquake’
- Lisa ft. Doja Cat and Raye – ‘Born Again’
- Stray Kids ‘Chk Chk Boom’
As much as I love Rosé and I truly love this song, but I don’t think she’ll get a win from the Best K-pop category with her song ‘Toxic Til the End’. 🥲 If I had to bet? I’d place my money on ‘Whiplash’ or ‘Chk Chk Boom’.
Also, shoutout to Katseye for scoring a surprise Push Performance of the Year nom for ‘Touch’ — an early 2025 gem that clearly stuck.
So now I’m asking you:
👉 Are you surprised Rosé got this many noms?
👉 Will Lady Gaga or Rosé walk away with more wins?
👉 Is Bruno Mars about to Bruno Mars himself out of a trophy with all this competition? 😂
👉 And do you agree with my Best K-pop prediction?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s sip on this together 🍵
