BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ was celebrated as one of the year’s biggest global music forces on Saturday, December 6 (local time). The 28-year-old singer-songwriter received the Global Hitmaker of the Year award at Variety’s 9th Annual Hitmakers brunch in Los Angeles.
The exclusive, invitation-only gathering took place at Nya Studios in Hollywood and brought together the writers, producers, and artists behind 2025’s most successful songs.
ROSÉ had a remarkable year thanks to her massively successful hit “APT.” with Bruno Mars. The song helped her rewrite K-pop history books and achieve several firsts. For instance, the highest Billboard HOT 100 ranking, the longest K-pop song ever to chart on HOT 100, fastest to reach 2 billion views on YT, and more.
During her acceptance speech, ROSÉ opened up about how surreal the past year has felt. She admitted that the level of international attention she’s received has been “a tiny bit of a mindfuck.”
Reflecting on her work with Bruno Mars, she described it as “an absolute explosion of surprises and an overwhelming amount of love.”
ROSÉ recalled the journey of making APT., “I did not imagine that teaching my producers a little drinking game over McDonald’s late at night at the studio would be what led me to Grammy nominations and this honorable award.”
She did not forget to thank her Atlantic Records team, which included G, Ted, Kyle, Jackie, and Trevor. The BLACKPINK vocalist also expressed gratitude to THEBLACKLABEL for “managing this incredibly hectic year.”
ROSÉ thanked Teddy (founder of THEBLACKLABEL), saying, “I’d like to thank my mentors, like Teddy, in whom I trust that has been there for me throughout everything, thick and thin.”
Variety’s Hitmakers brunch, hosted by the magazine’s executive music editor Jem Aswad, is known for spotlighting performing artists and behind-the-scenes creatives who help shape the year’s biggest hits. The event coincides with the release of Variety’s Hitmakers issue, which breaks down the 25 most popular songs of the year. This year, many speeches centered around the idea of early creative inspiration.
Sabrina Carpenter, honored as Hitmaker of the Year, talked about writing her first song at just 10 years old. Tate McRae, named Powerhouse of the Year, and EJAE of HUNTR/X, honored as KPop Demon Hitmakers of the Year, also shared memories of beginning their songwriting journeys as young teens.
Alex Warren earned recognition as Breakthrough of the Year, The Marías were honored as Anti-Hit Hitmakers of the Year, and Buddy Guy received the Living Legend / Iconic Collaboration in Film Award. On the industry side, producers like Sounwave, Mustard, and Jack Antonoff were named Producers of the Year, and Republic Records earned Label of the Year.
Additional special honors went to Addison Rae, Elvira Anderfjärd, and Luka Kloser for The Future Is Female Award, while Fuerza Regida were recognized as Humanitarians of the Year.
Award presenters Jimmy Jam and Benny Blanco were in attendance, along with stars like Tyler, the Creator, Madison Beer, Laufey, and Melanie Martinez. Key executives from major labels also joined the celebration, including Atlantic Records CEO Elliot Grainge, who received the Executive of the Year award.
Now, fans are waiting for ROSÉ to win a Grammy as she recently became the first soloist to secure not one but three coveted nominations.