Rosé to make history as first K-pop soloist to perform at Grammys

K-pop star Rosé is set to take the stage at the Grammy Awards 2026, marking a historic moment for the genre. The Australian-Korean singer-songwriter will become the first K-pop soloist to perform at the prestigious awards ceremony.

A member of global supergroup BLACKPINK, Rosé is also a first-time Grammy nominee and has earned three nominations this year. These include two major general field categories—song of the year and record of the year—for her collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars, as well as a nod for best pop duo/group performance.

Speaking earlier this year in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Rosé described the prospect of making Grammy history as deeply emotional. She said the recognition represents not only a personal milestone but also a moment of validation for many who believe in her journey and in K-pop’s global potential.

The 28-year-old artist has already enjoyed a standout year. Her debut solo album “Rosie”, released in December 2024, debuted at No 3 on the Billboard 200. The lead single “APT.” went on to spend 45 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her the song of the year award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2025.

Rosé’s nominations and upcoming performance highlight K-pop’s growing presence in the US mainstream music scene. The genre first made significant inroads at the Grammys in 2021, when BTS received a nomination for “Dynamite”. This year’s ceremony further reflects that momentum, with multiple K-pop-related nominations and performances, including appearances by emerging global groups trained under the K-pop system.

Read more

‘The Other Voice’: Rewriting the space of women’s art in Bangladesh

The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, with Rosé’s performance expected to be one of the night’s most closely watched moments.