BLACKPINK’s Rosé delivered one of the most emotional moments of the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards as she clinched the coveted Song of the Year award for her chart-topping collaboration “APT” with Bruno Mars.
The ceremony, held on September 7 at UBS Arena in New York, saw the 28-year-old K-pop star take the stage in tears, reflecting on her journey from teenage dreamer to global music icon.
“As my therapist reminds me daily, I want to thank myself for never giving up, even during the hardest times,” Rosé said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“APT,” which began as a playful studio experiment, quickly evolved into a global sensation. The track debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later climbed into the Top 5, making Rosé the first female K-pop soloist to achieve that feat.
In Nigeria, the song entered the TurnTable Top 100 at No. 78 and peaked at No. 35, marking her first top 40 entry in the country and underscoring her growing international appeal.
Rosé, who led the VMAs with nine nominations, dedicated the award to her 16-year-old self.
“Someone asked me what I feared most in life, and I realised it was the thought of letting down that younger version of me – the oddball who dreamed of a day she could belong and chase her dreams like those she admired on TV,” she shared.
She also paid tribute to Bruno Mars, calling him “an incredible teacher” and expressing gratitude for his mentorship and belief in her artistry.
“Bruno, thank you for helping create this world together. I can’t wait to call you after this. I hope you’re proud,” she said.
The win marks a historic moment for Rosé, making her the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year at the VMAs.