K-Pop Star Rosé Achieves Milestone with ‘APT.’ Grammy Nominations
Rosé has reached a new career peak. Her hit song “APT.” secured multiple Grammy nominations. This marks a historic moment for K-pop music. Rosé is the first K-pop soloist with such recognition. She earned nods for major categories. The nominations include Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Additionally, she is nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The Cultural Roots of “APT.”
The song “APT.” draws deep inspiration from Korean culture. Its title is an abbreviation of the Korean word “아파트” (apateu). This word translates to “apartment.” It is also the name of a popular Korean drinking game. Rosé explained she loves playing this game with friends. She initially felt hesitant about releasing a song based on a drinking game. Rosé worried it might seem too lighthearted. However, the positive reception encouraged her to finish the track. The song playfully uses the game as a metaphor for attraction. It features Korean phrases like “건배” (cheers). This cultural element has resonated globally.
A Global Chart Phenomenon
“APT.” achieved massive commercial success worldwide. The song topped the Billboard Global 200 chart for 12 weeks. It became the longest-running No. 1 song of 2024. Furthermore, it reached a new peak of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This made it the longest-charting K-pop song on the Hot 100. “APT.” also landed at No. 9 on the Year-End Hot 100 chart. This is the highest placement for any K-pop act. The song dominated charts in over 50 countries. It hit No. 2 in the UK. It also topped charts in South Korea and Japan.
Streaming numbers were equally impressive. “APT.” broke YouTube viewership records. It became the fastest music video by an Asian act to reach one billion views. On Spotify, it was the second-fastest song to reach one billion streams. Apple Music named it the No. 1 most-streamed song globally for 2025.
Historic Grammy Recognition
Rosé’s Grammy nominations are groundbreaking. She is the first K-pop soloist to be nominated in the “Big Four” general categories. These categories are Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Her Song of the Year nomination for “APT.” is a first for a Korean soloist. It is also the most-nominated song by any K-pop artist in Grammy history. The Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Rosé’s Reflective Gratitude
Rosé expressed immense surprise and gratitude for the nominations. She called the recognition deeply personal. Rosé noted the significance of a song rooted in her culture receiving such an honor. She mentioned growing up with limited representation in the music industry. “Never in a million years would I have thought that this would happen,” she remarked. Rosé feels proud that “APT.” is being celebrated.
Bruno Mars also celebrated the nominations. He shared photos with Rosé, thanking the Recording Academy. The collaboration on “APT.” was seamless. Rosé recalled meeting Bruno Mars and being starstruck. He quickly embraced the song’s concept. He brought creative ideas that enhanced the track. Bruno Mars has even hinted at future collaborations with Rosé.
Broader BLACKPINK Context
Rosé’s success comes as all BLACKPINK members are focusing on solo ventures in 2025. Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo have also released new music. The group is expected to make a comeback soon. YG Entertainment confirmed a group return in 2025. A world tour is also anticipated. This period marks a new chapter for the members individually and as a group.
A Defining Moment in Music News
The historic Grammy nominations for “APT.” cement Rosé’s status. The song’s global impact is undeniable. It highlights the power of cultural exchange in music. Rosé’s journey with “APT.” represents a significant milestone. It paves the way for future K-pop artists on the global stage. This news is a featured development in the trending music world.
