Rosé opened the 2026 Grammy Awards with a performance that marked a clear milestone for K-pop. The Blackpink member became the first K-pop solo artist to perform at the Grammys, kicking off the ceremony
with “APT” alongside Bruno Mars and setting the tone for the night.
Before any trophies were handed out, before the first speech, Rosé set the tone. The singer opened the Grammys with Bruno Mars, turning the awards ceremony into something closer to a packed club than a formal industry event. Their performance of “APT” was the first image beamed out to viewers worldwide, instantly making it one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
It was a historic first. Rosé became the first K-pop solo artist to perform at the Grammy Awards, a milestone that reflects just how far the genre has travelled in the US mainstream. As Mars introduced her to the crowd with “Ladies and gentleman, big bad Rosie,” the message was clear. This was not a guest slot. This was a statement.
“APT,” inspired by a Korean drinking game and co-written by Rosé herself, has become her defining solo hit. The song helped move her beyond group success as part of Blackpink, placing her firmly in global pop conversations. On the Grammys stage, the chemistry between Rosé and Mars was impossible to miss, capped by a playful kiss on the cheek before the performance kicked off.
The night also carried weight beyond the performance. Rosé entered the 2026 Grammys as a first-time nominee with three major nominations, including record and song of the year. It marked the first time a K-pop idol had been nominated in the general field categories, another quiet but powerful shift in industry perception.
“I’m getting chills right now,” Rosé said earlier this year when asked about the possibility of making history, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“I think it’ll be a moment that proves to myself so many things that I grew up doubting,” she continued. “I think if this happens, then it’s going to mean more to so many more people than myself. It’ll just prove a lot in me as well. It’ll just be a moment of celebration for everyone who believes.”
While “APT” did not win best pop duo or group performance, losing out to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for Wicked, Rosé’s presence dominated headlines regardless.
Her solo rise has been steady. The singer won song of the year at the MTV VMAs last year, and “APT” spent 45 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album Rosie, released in December 2024, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
K-pop’s growing footprint was felt across the ceremony, including recognition during the premiere awards, where KPop Demon Hunters secured the genre’s first Grammy win.
