The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2025 concluded with an unforgettable night that cemented Rosé and Lisa of BLACKPINK as historic figures in Kpop’s global journey.
Rosé made history by winning Song of the Year with her chart-topping hit “APT.” in collaboration with Bruno Mars. This marks the first time a Kpop artist has ever won one of the “Big Four” categories at the VMAs, shattering long-held perceptions that Kpop could only be recognized within genre-specific awards. Her victory symbolizes a turning point, proving that Kpop stars can compete at the highest level of the global music scene.
Meanwhile, Lisa continued her dominance by taking home Best Kpop for the third consecutive time with “Born Again” (ft. Doja Cat, Raye). Despite not attending the event and only accepting her award via video, Lisa’s win sparked debate since the song had little connection to traditional Kpop. Nonetheless, her achievement establishes her as the first Kpop artist to achieve a triple victory in this category, further reinforcing her influence as a solo act with massive international reach.
BLACKPINK also secured the Best Group (Kpop) award, reaffirming their unrivaled fandom power after nearly nine years in the industry. However, Jennie and Jisoo walked away empty-handed despite critical praise for their solo projects.
The night also spotlighted other powerhouse female artists. Ariana Grande clinched Video of the Year with her short film brighter days ahead, while Lady Gaga triumphed as Artist of the Year. Rising star Sabrina Carpenter scored a breakthrough with Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet, solidifying her transition into a mature, influential artist.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, Mariah Carey received the Video Vanguard Award, honoring her three-decade-long career and indelible impact on the music industry.
In a surprising twist, Taylor Swift – often dubbed the “VMAs Queen” – left empty-handed. Absent from the ceremony, Taylor’s break ahead of her 12th studio album in October explains the quieter year, but experts predict a strong comeback for her at the 2026 awards.
The overarching theme of this year’s VMAs was clear: female artists led the night, from Rosé and Lisa to Ariana, Gaga, and Sabrina. Their victories highlight not only the dominance of women in global music but also the unstoppable rise of Kpop artists on the international stage.
Sources: K14
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