Rosé‘s personal speech deserves red hearts, red hearts.
The Blackpink singer teared up during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, where she won Song of the Year for her Bruno Mars duet “APT.” And while accepting the trophy Sept. 7 at the UBS Arena in New York, Rosé shared some poignant advice she’s received. (See all the winners here.)
“As my therapist tells me to do every day, I’d like to thank myself,” she said, “for not giving up even in the toughest of times. And always remember: You’ve got you.”
The 28-year-old—who was nominated for nine VMAs—took the wisdom to heart, even dedicating her award to her 16-year-old self.
“Someone asked me the other day what my fear in life was, and I was quite shocked at my own response. I had no idea how deeply personal this journey had been for me,” Rosé explained. “I told them I feared that somewhere along the way this journey of pursuing my dreams, I might hit a wall and possibly disappoint my 16-year-old self, who grew up always an oddball among society that wished someday she, too, could be herself and equally pursue her dreams just as well as anyone else I saw on television.”
In addition to reflecting on her own journey, Rosé also got emotional while thanking her collaborator.
“Bruno, my absolute idol and incredible teacher,” she said onstage, “I love you so much. I hope you’re proud.”
“I can’t believe this,” Rosé shared. “I’m going to call you after, so I’ll save everything—thank you so much for believing in me and helping me build this world together. I’m really, really, forever grateful for you and our friendship.”
Indeed, she has a lot to celebrate this evening, as she earned nods for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop and more for “APT,” which has racked up 2 billion streams on YouTube.
And that was just the cherry on top of getting to work with Bruno.
“I’m the biggest fan,” she told iHeartRadio in 2024. “I’d just got my driver’s license, so I’d been driving around listening to all his songs for about a year.”
So, when her label asked her to pitch three songs to him, she called it a “dream come true,” but she knew the track about a Korean drinking game “had to be” the one.
Collaborating with Bruno is not the only time Rosé has been starstruck since skyrocketing to stardom: Some of her best memories—and celebrity run-ins—have happened backstage at glamorous red carpet events.
She had one such “crazy moment” after scoring an invite to the 2021 Met Gala, where she accidentally met Rihanna when a security guard introduced them inside the ball.
“The guy goes, ‘Do you know Blackpink? Do you know Blackpink Rosé?’ And she literally turns around and grabs both my hands,” the K-pop artist told Vogue in 2024. “She’s like, ‘I know you. You guys are doing so well. Keep up the good job.’ And she gave me like the biggest hug.”
Rosé was too stunned to speak, noting, “I didn’t know what to say. I was just like, ‘Thank you so much.’ How crazy is that? I remember being sad washing my hands.”
She experienced another pinch-me moment at an Oscars after-party in 2024, when she got some fashion advice from Jennifer Lawrence in the bathroom.
Rosé was debating with a friend whether to wear her more practical vision glasses or some cool shades.
“I was like, ‘Should I wear these like glasses? Or should I wear the sunglasses? Tell me what looks better,'” she recalled. “I was like, ‘I’m gonna have to wear the glasses, otherwise I’m gonna be blind.'”
“We were like discussing it, and then somebody walks outta the bathroom, and she’s like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about, but take it off.’ We look back, and it’sJennifer Lawrence,” Rosé laughed. “As in, take the shades off. She’s like, ‘Just don’t talk to my husband in it.'”
To see which celebrities she had the chance to meet at 2025 MTV VMAs, read on.
Lady Gaga
In Marc Jacobs.
Sabrina Carpenter
In custom Valentino.
Ariana Grande
In custom Fendi and Swarovski jewelry.
Jessica Simpson
In Christian Siriano.
Doja Cat
In Balmain.
Ice Spice
In Ralph Lauren.
Paris Hilton
In The Blonds.
FKA twigs
Conan Gray
In Erik Charlotte.
GloRilla
In Helen Anthony.
Lenny Kravitz
In Saint Laurent.
Ciara
In Schiaparelli.
Taylor Momsen
Alix Earle
In Tom Ford.
Tyla
In vintage Chanel.
Ricky Martin
Tate McRae
In custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
Nicky Hilton
Yungblud
Ashlee Simpson
Malin Akerman
Brittany Snow
Summer Walker
With a Simitri bag.
Megan Moroney
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Lauren Sorrentino
Sexxy Red
Nikki Glaser
In Ludovic de Saint Sernin.
KATSEYE
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Ty Dolla $ign
