Rosé just shattered K-pop’s final glass ceiling. On February 1, the BLACKPINK star made history as the first-ever K-pop soloist to perform on the Grammy stage. But she didn’t just show up. She opened the entire ceremony. Alongside global superstar Bruno Mars, Rosé kicked off the 2026 Grammy Awards with an electrifying rendition of their record-breaking hit, “APT.”
The performance immediately set the tone for the night. Within seconds, the Los Angeles venue felt more like a high-energy pop-punk club. The first “Apateu” chant echoed through the arena, and the audience followed suit. A-listers like Billie Eilish were spotted on their feet, cementing the song’s status as a genuine global phenomenon.
On-Stage Chemistry and Key Performance Moments
The chemistry between Rosé and Bruno Mars was the talk of the night. The duo shared a single microphone for several parts of the song. It felt both intimate and stadium-sized. While Bruno Mars held down the rhythm on the electric guitar, Rosé commanded the stage with pure “main-character energy.” Her signature honey-toned rasp was on full display.
Social media went into a total meltdown over one “cheeky” moment. During the bridge, Rosé planted a playful kiss on Bruno’s cheek. Fans loved the natural rapport. The set didn’t feel like a stiff award show performance. Instead, it felt like an explosive, hard-rock reimagining of the chart-topping track.
Fashion Spotlight: The ‘Rosie’ Aesthetic
Rosé stayed true to her “Rosie” aesthetic. She leaned into the edgy, rebellious vibe of her 2024 solo album. Think “pop-punk Gwen Stefani” mixed with early 2000s Avril Lavigne. She rocked a white tank top, a slim black tie, and her signature platinum-blonde hair. The look matched the raw, garage-band stage design perfectly. It felt fresh and gritty on the prestigious Grammy stage.
Breaking Down the “General Field” Nominations
This was more than just a big performance. It was a landmark moment for Asian representation. Rosé earned three major nominations for “APT.”: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. This is huge. It marks the first time a K-pop soloist has ever been nominated in the Grammys’ prestigious “General Field” categories.
“I never thought this would be possible. To even be here is an honor, but to open the show with someone I admire as much as Bruno is a dream come true,” Rosé shared in a post-performance reflection.
Results and Fan Reactions
In the end, “APT.” didn’t take home a trophy. They lost Best Pop Duo/Group Performance to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Still, fans remained celebratory. Interestingly, the night marked the first time in six years that Bruno Mars lost all of his nominations. This led to humorous fan theories online jokingly “blaming” Rosé for breaking his winning streak. Regardless of the score, the performance was a historic win for the genre.
The Road to the BLACKPINK 2026 Comeback
Now, the Grammy buzz serves as the perfect launchpad for what’s next. Following the ceremony, it was officially confirmed that the full BLACKPINK group comeback is set for February 27, 2026. After a year of solo dominance, the world’s biggest girl group is finally returning. Rosé’s historic night was the ultimate opening act for the main event.
- Historic First: Rosé is the first K-pop soloist to open the main Grammy telecast.
- The Look: A “pop-punk” tribute to the early 2000s and her Rosie era.
- What’s Next: BLACKPINK’s full group comeback on February 27, 2026.
