In a history-making moment at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, BLACKPINK’s Rosé took home Song of the Year for her hit single "Apartment," a soulful collaboration with pop icon Bruno Mars. The awards ceremony, held at the UBS Arena in New York on September 7 (local time), saw the Korean-Australian artist step onto the global stage—not only as a soloist, but as a cultural trailblazer.
Wearing a shimmering gold sequin gown, Rosé appeared visibly emotional as she accepted the trophy. “I can’t believe it. I’m so touched,” she said, her voice trembling. Turning to her collaborator, she added, “Bruno, thank you for believing in me and helping me create something so personal and powerful.”
A Tribute to Her Younger Self
Rosé's acceptance speech struck a deeply emotional chord with audiences around the world.
“When I was 16, I desperately wanted to achieve my dreams like the people I saw on TV,” she said. “I was also afraid—afraid that I might disappoint that younger version of myself. I dedicate this award to the 16-year-old me who didn’t give up.”
Rosé, born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, moved to Korea at age 16 after being accepted as a trainee under YG Entertainment. Her story—of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering ambition—has inspired fans for over a decade.
She continued: “To everyone who believed in me and helped me become the artist I am today, this moment is for you. To the producers, songwriters, and friends who never stopped dreaming with me—thank you.”
“Thank You for Not Giving Up”: A Global Moment
One of the most resonant moments of the evening came when Rosé referenced a piece of advice from her therapist. “As my therapist tells me to do every day,” she said, “I want to thank myself for not giving up, even in the toughest of times.”
Rosé also acknowledged her long-time mentor and producer Teddy, switching to Korean to say, “오빠, 저 상 탔어요 (Oppa, I won an award).” She then gave a warm shout-out to her BLACKPINK bandmates—Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa—saying, “Thank you always. I love you so much.”
ROSÉ MAKING HÉRSTORY AS THE FIRST KPOP ARTIST EVER TO WIN SOTY pic.twitter.com/On5fojsSzk
— blackpink (@blckpinkpic) September 8, 2025
Fans and Critics React
Rosé’s win sparked an outpouring of emotion online. The hashtag #RoséSOTY (Song of the Year) trended globally within minutes.
“IM BAWLING MY EYES OUT ROSIE. YOU DESERVE THIS AND SO MUCH MORE,” one international fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another said, “Her first VMA as a soloist is Song of the Year. She’s a number one forever and always.”
Industry professionals also recognized the moment as a major turning point in global representation. “What an incredible milestone for Asian and female representation in the music industry,” one comment read. “Rosé created an iconic song that will be remembered in music history.”
A Night of Double Wins for BLACKPINK
In addition to her solo success, Rosé celebrated alongside BLACKPINK as the group won Best Group, marking their continued dominance on the global stage. Rosé had also been nominated in a record-breaking eight categories, with "Apartment" securing nods for Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Pop, among others.
Her solo track “Toxic Till the End” was also nominated for Best K-Pop.