Rosé Makes History as First K-Pop Artist to Receive Variety’s Global Hitmaker Award
Blackpink’s Rosé has officially cemented her status as one of the most influential solo artists of her generation, becoming the first K-pop artist to win Variety’s prestigious Global Hitmaker Award. The honor was presented during the 2025 Hitmakers Brunch held in Los Angeles on Saturday, recognizing artists whose work has made a significant global impact over the past year.
#Rosé accepts the Global Hitmaker of the Year award at this year's Variety Hitmakers event. pic.twitter.com/ZJ9RcceEjS
— Variety (@Variety) December 7, 2025
Rosé earned the accolade following the tremendous success of her solo album rosie and the international dominance of her Bruno Mars collaboration, “APT.”, which topped charts worldwide. The song’s viral popularity, coupled with the album’s strong critical and commercial performance, positioned Rosé as a leading force in contemporary pop music.
During her acceptance speech, Rosé reflected on her bold independent move to Los Angeles, a transition she described as both challenging and creatively liberating. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her collaborators, including Bruno Mars whom she publicly congratulated for securing the Songwriter Award at the same event. Rosé emphasized the importance of authenticity in music, noting that her recent projects were born from a desire to capture “real human moments” and connect deeply with audiences across cultures.
Her recognition at Hitmakers marks a defining milestone in her breakout year, which has already seen Rosé receive multiple major award nominations. She is currently in contention for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards further illustrating her expanding influence beyond the K-pop industry.
Rosé’s trailblazing win not only highlights her individual artistic evolution but also underscores the growing global presence of Korean artists within the Western music landscape. As she continues to shape her path as a solo performer, her achievements set a precedent for future K-pop acts aiming to cross into the international mainstream with both creativity and longevity.
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