The song “APT” won a big award at the MTV Video Music Awards – Rose accepted the award and the biggest surprise was her speech about Bruno Mars.

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2025, held on September 7 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, witnessed a historic and unforgettable moment in the world of music. Rosé, the internationally acclaimed member of BLACKPINK, made headlines by winning the coveted Song of the Year award for her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the chart-topping hit, “APT.” This victory marked a groundbreaking achievement, as Rosé became the first K-pop soloist to ever win this prestigious category, signaling not only her personal success but also the growing global recognition of K-pop as a dominant force in the music industry.

A Historic Night for Rosé and K-pop

The 2025 VMAs brought together a diverse array of artists, performers, and fans from around the world, celebrating excellence in music, creativity, and artistry. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the event, Rosé stood out not only for her talent but for the emotional depth and authenticity of her performance and acceptance speech.

Winning Song of the Year for “APT.” was more than a personal achievement; it symbolized a milestone for K-pop on the global stage. For years, K-pop artists have been making inroads into Western markets, and Rosé’s triumph at the VMAs underscores the genre’s increasing influence, bridging cultural gaps and captivating a worldwide audience.

The Power of “APT”

“APT.”, the song that won the award, represents a seamless blend of Rosé’s vocal artistry and Bruno Mars’s musical genius. The collaboration resonated across continents, topping international charts and breaking streaming records. Its music video, co-directed by Bruno Mars and Daniel Ramos, surpassed one billion views on YouTube, becoming the fastest K-pop artist video to achieve such a milestone.

The song’s success is attributed to its catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and high production value, all of which contribute to its universal appeal. It is not just a commercial triumph but also a creative testament to the synergy between two exceptional artists from different musical backgrounds.

Rosé’s Emotional Acceptance Speech

The most memorable moment of the night came during Rosé’s acceptance speech, which captured the hearts of fans and viewers worldwide. Standing before a captivated audience, she dedicated the award to her 16-year-old self, reflecting on the journey, the struggles, and the resilience that brought her to this stage.

“I want to dedicate this award to the 16-year-old me, who dared to dream and never gave up despite all the challenges. Every step I took, every obstacle I faced, brought me here tonight.”

Rosé’s words resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, no matter the odds. She also acknowledged the guidance and inspiration she received along the way, particularly from Bruno Mars, whom she referred to as her “absolute idol and incredible teacher.”

Despite Bruno Mars not being present at the ceremony, Rosé emphasized his pivotal role in the creation and success of “APT.” She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for his belief in her, his mentorship, and their collaborative creative process:

“I want to thank Bruno Mars for believing in me and for helping create this song with me. Your guidance and support have meant so much, and I can’t wait to call you later and express my gratitude.”

In a poignant moment, Rosé also thanked herself, reflecting on her own resilience and inner strength, a practice encouraged by her therapist. She openly shared the emotional challenges and personal growth that came with pursuing a career in music, making her speech both relatable and inspiring to millions of fans around the world.

Bruno Mars’s Role and Absence

Although Bruno Mars was not physically present at the VMAs, his influence and contribution were highlighted throughout the evening. The collaboration between Mars and Rosé exemplifies the power of cross-cultural musical partnerships, combining Bruno Mars’s decades of experience in pop and R&B with Rosé’s unique vocal style and K-pop sensibilities.

Rosé’s acknowledgment of Mars reinforced the mutual respect and creative synergy between the two artists. It also underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving artistic milestones, as “APT.” became a symbol of innovation, unity, and global musical dialogue.

The Significance of Winning Song of the Year

Winning Song of the Year at the VMAs is a prestigious honor, recognizing not only commercial success but also artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural impact. For Rosé, this award represents:

1. A Personal Achievement: A testament to her talent, hard work, and resilience since her teenage years.

2. K-pop Recognition: Marking a significant moment for K-pop as it gains acceptance and admiration in Western music awards.

3. Inspiration for Fans: Demonstrating the value of perseverance, belief in oneself, and embracing opportunities.

4. Validation of Collaboration: Highlighting the creative success that can emerge when artists from different musical worlds come together.

Her win also sends a powerful message to aspiring artists worldwide, proving that barriers—be they cultural, linguistic, or industry-related—can be overcome with dedication, creativity, and collaboration.

The Global Reaction

Rosé’s win and her heartfelt speech generated a wave of reactions across social media and entertainment platforms:

• Fans and K-pop enthusiasts celebrated her historic achievement, sharing clips and quotes from her speech.

• Music critics praised her authenticity and emotional delivery, noting that her words added depth to an already significant award.

• International media outlets highlighted the collaboration with Bruno Mars, emphasizing the cultural bridge between K-pop and Western pop music.

The global engagement reinforced Rosé’s influence as not only a performer but also a role model, showcasing the power of music to connect diverse audiences.

Fashion and Stage Presence

Beyond her vocal performance and speech, Rosé’s presence at the VMAs was visually striking. She wore a stunning ensemble, pairing the year’s trendiest color with diamond accessories, reflecting both elegance and contemporary style. Her stage presence and poise added to the overall impact of her win, demonstrating that her artistry extends beyond music into public persona and cultural influence.

Behind the Scenes: Creating “APT”

The success of “APT.” is rooted in the meticulous collaboration between Rosé, Bruno Mars, and the production team:

• Songwriting and Composition: Combining Mars’s experience in creating hits with Rosé’s melodic sensibilities.

• Production Quality: High production standards ensured that the song and its music video resonated with global audiences.

• Marketing and Promotion: Strategic promotion across social media, streaming platforms, and live performances maximized visibility and engagement.

This multifaceted approach contributed not only to commercial success but also to critical acclaim, culminating in the VMAs Song of the Year award.

Emotional Impact on Fans

Rosé’s speech, especially her acknowledgment of Bruno Mars and her own personal journey, resonated with fans on a deeply emotional level. Many highlighted:

• The relatability of her struggles, showing that even successful artists face challenges.

• The inspirational message of perseverance, self-belief, and gratitude.

• The celebration of collaboration, emphasizing teamwork and mentorship in artistic success.

Fans across social media platforms praised her humility, gratitude, and authenticity, making her speech one of the most memorable moments of the VMAs 2025.

Cultural Significance

Rosé’s win and speech hold broader implications beyond personal and professional achievement:

1. Elevating K-pop on the Global Stage: Solidifying K-pop’s influence in international music markets.

2. Breaking Barriers: Demonstrating that language and cultural differences need not limit global recognition.

3. Promoting Female Artists: Highlighting women in music who combine talent, charisma, and resilience.

4. Encouraging Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Showing the value of partnerships between artists from diverse musical traditions.

Her achievement is a landmark moment that continues to inspire discussions about diversity, inclusivity, and artistic excellence in the global music industry.

Looking Ahead

The VMAs 2025 have set a high benchmark for future collaborations and artistic recognition. Rosé’s win is likely to:

• Influence future K-pop artists to aim for global recognition.

• Encourage more cross-genre collaborations between Western and Asian artists.

• Inspire emerging musicians to pursue their artistic vision with resilience and dedication.

• Elevate discussions on authenticity and emotion in award acceptance speeches, showing the power of personal storytelling in connecting with audiences.

Conclusion

Rosé’s historic win at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for “APT.”, her emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech, and her acknowledgment of Bruno Mars mark a defining moment in music history. The combination of artistic excellence, global collaboration, and personal authenticity has created a landmark achievement that resonates far beyond the VMAs stage.

By honoring both her personal journey and her collaborative partnership with Bruno Mars, Rosé has demonstrated that music is not just about talent—it is about passion, perseverance, and the human stories behind every note.

This historic moment cements her legacy as a trailblazing K-pop soloist, an inspirational figure for aspiring artists worldwide, and a symbol of cultural convergence in contemporary music.