The Associated Press has predicted that BLACKPINK’s Rose and Bruno Mars will win Record of the Year at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, a prediction that could make K-pop history.
In a recent analysis of Grammy predictions by the renowned news agency, AP music analyst Maria Landrum said that “APT” has the best chance of winning the prestigious category. Landrum explained that the song feels inevitable and natural, noting that it resonates across age groups, platforms and borders.
“Bruno Mars brought a proven sense of structure, while Rose’s presence reflected academia’s growing comfort with global pop influence,” Landrum said. He added that if the song wins, Rose would become the first K-pop artist to reach the Record of the Year milestone, according to the Associated press.
Record of the Year honors the artist, producers, sound engineers, expert engineers and sound mixers for the best recording of the year. The category differs from Song of the Year, which rewards songwriters for the composition itself.
“APT” received three Grammy nominations in total, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The Associated Press also predicts the song will win best pop duo/group performance, with Landrum calling it a pick between “APT” and Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile.” Gulf News reported.
The collaboration between Rose and Mars has achieved considerable commercial success since its release in October 2024. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts. It also peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rose the first female K-pop artist to enter the top ten.
Rose became the first K-pop solo artist nominated in the Grammys’ overall categories, which include the ceremony’s most prestigious awards. Previously, BTS received three consecutive nominations from 2021 to 2023 in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, but did not win.
The song was created by producers Cirkut, Bruno Mars, Omer Fedi and Roget Chahayed, with songwriters including Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown and Theron Thomas. Prior to the Grammy nominations, “APT” won Song of the Year at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, making Rose the first K-pop artist to win that category.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, as scheduled Netflix employee.
