The MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) are among the most highly anticipated music events of the year, featuring both first-time nominees and returning artists who have not been recognised in years. Among this year’s newcomers is BLACKPINK’s Rosé (로제), who has earned two nominations: Song of the Year for “APT (featuring Bruno Mars)” and Best K-pop for “Toxic Till the End”.
Excitingly, the singer made history by being the first K-pop artist to win the Song of the Year category. Here’s what went down:
Socialite and DJ, Paris Hilton, took to the stage to present the award for Song of the Year, with nominees including Rosé’s “APT (featuring Bruno Mars)”, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary”, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die with a Smile”, and Tate McRae’s “Sports Car”. All the nominated songs were deserving of recognition, having dominated radio stations and streaming platforms for months.
However, there could only be one winner. It was announced that BLACKPINK’s Rosé had taken the title, making her the first K-pop idol in history to achieve this milestone. The visibly surprised singer took to the stage to accept the award from the media personality before delivering a lengthy and emotional speech.
“First of all, Bruno, I know that you’re watching. Oh, my God. First of all, thank you so much, Bruno. I can’t believe this. I’m gonna call you up after, so I’ll say everything. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me build this world together. I’m really, really forever grateful for you, and our friendship, and everything,” she said.
The idol then dedicated the award to her 16-year-old self, who once feared she might never achieve her dreams like her favourite artists. “Now I believe there is no impostor in the world when MTV has given me this award here at the VMAs. This is a really big moment for 16-year-old me and anyone else who has dreamed of being accepted equally for their hard work.”
Of course, Rosé’s speech would not have been complete without thanking her BLACKPINK bandmates Jisoo, Jennie and Lisa for their constant support, before expressing her gratitude to the fans for their love and encouragement. We’d like to extend our congratulations to Rosé on her historic win, and may she and her group continue to thrive in the industry.
Watch her full speech below:
