Written by Tanisha Cardozo
BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ is officially stepping into her solo era — and she’s doing it in record-breaking style. The K-pop icon has earned eight nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her first recognition as a solo artist and putting her among the most nominated acts of the year.
Her hit single APT., a chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars that peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, landed her in seven major categories:
- Video of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Best Collaboration
- Best Pop
- Best Direction
- Best Art Direction
- Best Visual Effects
In addition, her third solo single Toxic Til the End from her debut album Rosie has earned her a nod in the Best K-pop category.
Reacting to the news on her Instagram Stories, ROSÉ appeared visibly emotional and overwhelmed.
“So I’ve just heard that I’ve received eight VMA nominations,” she shared in a heartfelt video. “I am beyond shocked and I just don’t know what to say. I’m absolutely speechless! This is a crazy day!”
She also posted a screenshot of the nominations with a simple caption: “waaaahhh???”
ROSÉ now joins an elite group of artists leading the 2025 VMAs:
- Lady Gaga: 12 nominations
- Bruno Mars: 11 nominations
- Kendrick Lamar: 10 nominations
- ROSÉ & Sabrina Carpenter: 8 nominations each
- Ariana Grande & The Weeknd: 7 nominations each
Adding to the excitement, her BLACKPINK bandmates are also in the spotlight.
- Jennie is nominated for Like JENNIE
- Jisoo earned a nod for Earthquake
- Lisa, along with Doja Cat and RAYE, is recognized for Born Again
These nominations mark Jennie and Jisoo’s first solo VMA nods outside of BLACKPINK as a group.
The 2025 MTV VMAs will air live on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET from the UBS Arena in New York, broadcasting on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
It’s a monumental moment not just for ROSÉ, but for K-pop as a whole — proving that global appeal, artistry, and passion continue to redefine pop culture across borders.
