Photo Credits: Fashion Bomb Daily The Black Label
Rosé of BLACKPINK turned heads at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, marking K-pop’s bold stride into global music elite. Alongside fellow K-pop acts, she redefined red carpet glamour while celebrating career milestones through her “APT.” collaboration with Bruno Mars.
“I cannot believe my life… This means so much to me and many others.” – Rosé on her first solo Grammy nods
Red Carpet Radiance
Rosé commanded the Crypto.com Arena carpet in a strapless black-and-white gown by an undisclosed designer, blending minimalist LBD edge with dramatic draped skirt. Styled by Aeri Yun, the look paired sheer tights, pointy heels, and Tiffany & Co. jewels, echoing her YSL campaign sleekness.
Her bleach-blonde bob and subtle glam amplified the maximalist spin on classic monochrome—perfect for a night of firsts. Tidbit: This marked Rosé’s debut solo Grammy appearance, post her Grammy Museum intimate set in December 2025.
KATSEYE, the HYBE-Geffen girl group, followed with remixed “Gnarly” energy, their vibrant ensemble nodding to global pop fusion. Their noms in Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group for “Gabriela” underscored K-pop’s expanding footprint.
Historic “APT.” Spotlight
Opening the show, Rosé and Bruno Mars delivered “APT.,” the first K-pop solo performance at the Grammys. Nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, the track shattered barriers as the first K-pop song in the top categories.
“Even when we first wrote it, I was scared… Now it’s proven what music means to people.” – Rosé in Billboard
This duet, born from Rosé’s vision, evolved her from BLACKPINK’s vocalist to solo powerhouse. Bruno praised her raw talent: “Being able to share this with Rosie… kids and adults sing it—that’s our job.” Milestone: First K-pop idol in Grammy “Big Four” via BBC recognition.
K-Pop’s Grammy Milestones
The 68th Grammys crowned K-pop’s rise: Rosé as first solo performer since BTS in 2020, plus KPop Demon Hunters’ five nods for Netflix’s animated hit, including “Golden.” Forbes hailed it “unsurprising amid global success.”
Rosé’s path—from BLACKPINK’s 2022 hiatus to her 2024 solo album—shows creative evolution. Her Elle February 2026 cover captured this: multiple prints, fashion films, and reflections on a “career-defining year.”
KATSEYE’s stage remix of “Gnarly” (2025) highlighted HYBE’s stateside push, blending K-pop precision with Western pop. Tidbit: Over 70,000 X posts erupted post-announcement, fans dubbing it “Rose will bloom.”
Creative Direction Unleashed
Rosé’s Grammy era embodies fearless artistry. “APT.” fused her emotive vocals with Bruno’s funk, proving K-pop’s borderless appeal. In Call Her Daddy, she called it her “second chapter,” post-BLACKPINK love.
Styling choices reflect intent: Yun’s high-low feminine vibe mirrors Rosé’s off-duty chic, now scaled for Hollywood. Her Instagram gratitude—”Thank you @recordingacademy @brunomars”—sparked global blinks’ frenzy.
KATSEYE’s direction leans multicultural: six members channeling demon-hunter themes from their film, with “Gabriela” earning duo/group nods. This duo act—Rosé solo, KATSEYE collective—signals K-pop’s dual solo/group dominance.
Fan Frenzy and Global Impact
X lit up with #RoséGrammys, praising her poise amid Reddit debates on styling consistency. “Rosé and stylist own monochrome mastery,” one fan noted, countering high-low critiques.
K-pop’s night boosted streams: “APT.” surged post-performance, echoing BLACKPINK’s Coachella legacy. For fandoms, it’s validation—Rosé’s three nods rival Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga.
Milestone tally: First K-pop Record/Song noms, first solo stage, KPop Demon Hunters’ animation breakthrough. Rosé’s post-event vibe? Processing “what music means,” per her words.
“First K-pop soloist to bloom on the Grammy stage – Rosé rewrites history.”
Fashion Forward Takes
Rosé’s balloon-esque dress nodded YSL campaigns, with curls stealing focus. KATSEYE’s coordinated pops amplified their “Gnarly” remix—future tour bait? Tidbit: Styled pre-Lady Gaga, Tyler sets.
This red carpet fused K-pop’s polished choreography roots with Western maximalism, priming solo eras. Rosé’s Tiffany accents screamed luxury milestone.
Looking Ahead: K-Pop’s Next Wave
Post-Grammys, expect Rosé’s solo tour teases, building on APT.’s billion-stream run. KATSEYE eyes Best New Artist upset; Demon Hunters sequel whispers grow.
Her direction? Evolving vulnerability into anthems, as in Elle: “Fearless creative force.” For K-pop stans, Feb 1, 2026, cements the wave—milestones met, creativity soaring.