Rose and Bruno Mars after the Grammy Awards . (Photo Credit / Rose Instagram)
Rosé Opens the 2026 Grammys, But Leaves Empty-Handed
On February 1, 2026, BLACKPINK’s Rosé made history as the first K-pop solo artist to open the Grammy Awards, performing “APT.” alongside Bruno Mars at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Despite being nominated in three major categories — Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance — Rosé walked away without a win.
Fans React: “She Slayed the Stage, But Got Snubbed Again”
- “Rosé owned the opening, but the Grammys gave her nothing.”
- “BTS went winless for years — now Rosé too?”
- “Her performance was Grammy-worthy. The system isn’t.”
The backlash echoes a familiar frustration: K-pop artists continue to be celebrated on stage but sidelined at the podium. Critics argue that the Grammys remain resistant to non-Western acts, especially when it comes to major awards.
Mixed Reviews of Rosé’s Opening Stage
- Billboard praised the energy, noting the arena was “on its feet within seconds” as Rosé and Bruno Mars reimagined “APT.” in a hard rock style.
- OSEN (Korea) highlighted the “splendid costumes and audience sing-alongs,” describing the set as vibrant and engaging.
- Yet, some critics argued the lighting and staging felt too light, giving the performance more of a pop concert vibe than the gravitas expected from a Grammy opener. This criticism fueled debate over whether K-pop acts are showcased more as spectacle than as serious contenders for awards.
Expert Opinions: “K-pop Is Still Treated as an Outsider”
| Expert | Insight |
|---|---|
| Lee Hyun-woo, Music Critic | “The Grammys prioritize U.S. industry influence. Global popularity isn’t enough without internal reputation.” |
| Jung Yoon-ah, Pop Columnist | “Rosé’s collaboration with Bruno Mars was strategic, but the Grammys still operate on American-centric standards.” |
| Park Sung-jin, Cultural Producer | “The Grammy voting system favors insiders. K-pop lacks the lobbying power and network to break through.” |
Grammy Results Snapshot
| Category | Winner | Rosé’s Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Song of the Year | Billie Eilish – “Wildflower” | Lost |
| Record of the Year | Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther” | Lost |
| Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | Charlie Puth & Lizzo – “Echoes” | Lost |
🔍 The Bigger Picture: Can K-pop Ever Win Big at the Grammys?
Rosé’s groundbreaking performance proved that K-pop artists can command global stages, but the lack of recognition highlights a deeper issue. Experts suggest that Grammy success requires more than fan power — it demands industry clout, strategic alliances, and cultural acceptance within the U.S. music ecosystem.
The “too light” criticism of Rosé’s opening stage underscores how K-pop is often framed as entertainment spectacle rather than artistic centerpiece, reinforcing the perception of being outsiders at the Grammys.
Author Information
Author: David Kim
Position: Writer, Kpopbreaking Team
E-mail: worldpopkorea@gmail.com
Update: Feb. 5, 2026
Final Summary
Rosé’s historic Grammy opening with Bruno Mars marked a major milestone for K-pop solo artists on the global stage. Yet, her absence from the winners’ list reignited criticism about the Grammys’ structural bias against non-Western acts.
While fans celebrated her performance, some critics noted the stage felt “too light” for an opener, raising questions about how K-pop is framed within Western award shows. Experts agree: global popularity alone isn’t enough — industry influence, cultural positioning, and strategic alliances are key to breaking the Grammy ceiling.
📣 Do you think the Grammys are still gatekeeping K-pop?
💬 Join the conversation in the comments below.
📲 Share this article with fellow fans and let the world know: K-pop deserves more than applause — it deserves recognition.
🔔 Follow Kpopbreaking.com for real-time updates on Rosé, BLACKPINK, and the future of K-pop on global stages.
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