Bruno Mars & Rosé set records with MTV VMA nominations
Mars earned a record 11 nominations and Rosé earned a historic eight nominations, including several for their hit song "APT"
Rosé & Bruno Mars
John V. Esparza
Words by Daniel Anderson
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are shaping up to be a landmark year for artists of Asian descent, with major nominations going to high-profile stars like Bruno Mars, Rosé, and Charli XCX, as well as key nods for K-pop acts, rookie girl group KATSEYE, and longtime alt-rock mainstay Linkin Park.
Mars makes history this year with 11 nominations, trailing only Lady Gaga’s 12. He’s one of only four artists ever to land two Video of the Year nods in the same year—for “Die With a Smile” (with Lady Gaga) and “APT.” (with Rosé). The Filipino and Puerto Rican American icon is also nominated for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, and multiple technical categories.
Additionally, thanks to “APT,” Rosé is the first K-pop artist ever to be nominated for Video of the Year. She scored eight nominations overall, including Best Pop, Song of the Year, and multiple technical categories for her work on “APT.” and her solo single “toxic till the end.” With her eight nominations, she is now the most nominated K-pop act in a single year in VMA history.
Her fellow BLACKPINK members also each earned nominations in the Best K-pop category for their solo endeavors: Jisoo for “Earthquake,” Jennie for “Like Jennie,” and Lisa for “Born Again” featuring Doja Cat and Raye.
Other nominated acts in the Best K-pop category include Jimin for “Who,” Stray Kids for “Chk Chk Boom” and aespa for “Whiplash.” This marks Jimin’s first solo VMA nomination.
Global girl group KATSEYE earned their first nomination in the MTV Push Performance of the Year category for their hit song “Touch.”
KATSEYE collaborator Charli XCX received five total nominations this year. Notably, she’s recognized in Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Video for Good for her Billie Eilish-assisted track “Guess.”
Tyla received two nominations for “PUSH 2 START” in the Best Afrobeats category and Best Choreography.
Lastly, Linkin Park, with rapper Mike Shinoda and DJ Joe Hahn (who are Japanese American and Korean American, respectively), earned a Best Rock nomination for “The Emptiness Machine.”
Published on August 6, 2025
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.