The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the stage on Sunday, September 7, celebrating the biggest names in global music. One of the night’s most memorable moments came when BLACKPINK’s Rosé took home the prestigious Song of the Year award for her emotional collaboration with Bruno Mars titled APT.
A Historic Win for K-pop
With this win, Rosé became the first K-pop act to ever claim Song of the Year at the VMAs, marking a milestone for the genre on the global stage. She received the award from Paris Hilton, and stepped up to the mic with visible emotion, reading from a handwritten note.
“Thank you so much, Bruno. I can’t believe this. I’m going to call you after this,” she said, conveying deep gratitude to her partner for believing in her.
ROSÉ wins the #VMAs ‘Song of the Year’ for APT
— rosie (@roseannepics) September 8, 2025
VMAS WINNER ROSÉ#ROSÉ_VMAs #ROSÉ pic.twitter.com/oU4uTAtR7n
A Vulnerable and Empowering Speech
Rosé’s acceptance speech rapidly went viral—not only for making history, but for being unexpectedly raw. Addressing her career, she openly spoke about a raw fear: “I was afraid that at some point in this process I would hit a wall and disappoint my 16-year-old self.”
Also Read: BLACKPINK’s Rosé LEADS THE PACK! 8 VMA Noms Put Her Up Against K-pop Rivals
She dedicated the win to that younger version of herself—the “oddball” who once dreamt of a life on stage—and to fans who have stood by her. “Thank you for letting me let go of my imposter syndrome,” she said.
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ iconic song APT has won Song of the Year at the VMAs APT FOREVER #Rosé #BrunoMars #APT #BLACKPINK #VMAs pic.twitter.com/ElnfOZ2jUe
— MTV UK (@MTVUK) September 8, 2025
Gratitude and Self-Love
Rosé ended her speech with a powerful message, inspired by her therapist: “I’d like to thank myself for not giving up, even in the toughest times.”
BLACKPINK also took Group of the Year, solidifying their ongoing reign in international pop culture.
