Screengrab from MTV

It was a night of celebration and heartfelt moments at the MTV Video Music Awards as Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars clinched Song of the Year for their chart-topping collaboration “APT.”

The award marked a milestone in Rosé’s solo journey, and her acceptance speech quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about highlights. Holding back tears, she opened up not only about her gratitude to Mars and her team but also about the deeper fears and dreams that shaped her career.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this,” she began, visibly overwhelmed. Directing her first words to Bruno Mars, she said, “Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me build this world together. I’m forever grateful for you and our friendship.”

Rosé then reflected on a question that had recently been asked of her: What is your greatest fear? Her answer revealed the emotional weight of her journey. “I feared that somewhere along the way of pursuing my dreams, I might disappoint my 16-year-old self—who grew up feeling like an oddball in society but still dreamed of standing on a stage like this one,” she admitted. “Twelve years later, I dedicate this award to my 16-year-old self, and to anyone who has ever dreamed of being accepted equally for their hard work.”

The BLACKPINK singer went on to thank her dedicated team, stylists, songwriters, producers, and Atlantic Records for their trust in her artistry. She also offered heartfelt words for her family, her mentor Teddy, and the fans who, in her words, “placed their dreams in me to make this change.”

And in a strikingly personal close, Rosé followed her therapist’s advice: “I’d like to thank myself—for not giving up, even in the toughest of times. Always remember, you’ve got you.”

With Bruno Mars as her collaborator and a career-defining track in “APT.”, Rosé’s VMA win stands as more than just an industry accolade—it’s a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of staying true to one’s younger self.