BLACKPINK's ROSÉ makes history at the 2026 Grammys, earning two nominations in top categories. After months of anticipation, the moment of the announcement went viral in a candid video that captures the emotion and suspense behind a historic moment for K-pop
Η ROSÉ she did it — and she did it in the most impressive way. The international star of BLACKPINK became the first K-pop artist in history to secure a nomination in one of the so-called “Big Four” Grammy categories, those considered the “holy grail” of the global music industry. With her single “APT.”, a collaboration with Bruno Mars, ROSÉ was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year, while also earning a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
But the journey to get there was by no means a given. For months, international media and fan communities had been talking about the possibility of making history — and at that moment, on November 7, 2025, everything was confirmed. In a video posted by a friend and reposted by her on her Instagram Story, we see ROSÉ experiencing the most agonizing, yet most beautiful moment of her career.
Read also: Axl Rose: Furious on stage – He threw the microphone and left the concert
The camera shows her sitting in her living room, a few close friends connected on a group FaceTime call, all holding their breath as the nominations for “Record of the Year” are announced. “Are we not going to get it?” someone asks her — and she, with a half-smile and a nervous laugh, says: “Aw, maybe we're not going to get it…” The moment the names “ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT.” appear on the screen, it explodes. She screams “Oh my god!” in surprise and joy, while her friends celebrate, essentially capturing the most genuine human excitement — a moment that went viral worldwide within minutes.
This success is not just a personal victory. It is a milestone for the entire K-pop, which is marking its biggest presence at the Grammys this year. In addition to ROSÉ, KPop Demon Hunters also earned nominations for the song “Golden”, while K-pop now appears in the major categories not as an “alternative current”, but as an equal part of the mainstream music scene.
Read also: Rosé: Revealed her biggest fight with Bruno Mars before the video for “APT.”
For ROSÉ, who was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia before moving to South Korea to join BLACKPINK, the moment holds a strong emotional weight. Speaking recently to The Hollywood Reporter, said: “Winning a Grammy is still a dream for me… a moment that will prove a lot to myself.” The humility of this statement captures the journey of an artist who, despite fame, remains grounded, grateful, and aware.
The single “APT.”, featuring Bruno Mars, has already reached the top of international charts and is considered one of the most elegant and musically mature examples of collaboration between Western and Asian productions. The song combines Mars’ soul-funk aesthetic with the characteristic sweetness and power of ROSÉ’s voice, creating a sound that unites two worlds with naturalness and energy.
This Grammy moment is also a great affirmation of K-pop’s evolution beyond the narrow confines of Asia. Ten years ago, the idea that a Korean artist could be nominated for “Record of the Year” would have seemed unthinkable. Today, thanks to acts like BTS, BLACKPINK, and now ROSÉ, the musical bridge between East and West is not only real, but also powerfully two-way.
ROSÉ, with her signature stage presence, has managed to stand out both within the band and as a solo artist. From her first solo release “On The Ground” to her recent “APT.”, she has been constantly evolving her identity. With every step she takes, she proves that pop is not just a genre — it’s a way of expression.
The viral video of her reaction has already garnered millions of views, while Twitter and TikTok were awash with hashtags like #RoséGrammyNomination and #KpopHistoryMade. Her fans celebrated the moment as a collective victory, emphasizing that her journey represents the perseverance, work, and passion of an entire generation of artists who are claiming space without losing their identity.
The image of ROSÉ holding her face and whispering “Oh my god” is already iconic. An image of genuine joy, simplicity, and truth — the elements that, ironically, are often missing from the awards world. And they’re what make her stand out.
