BLACKPINK member Rosé made history with her multiple nominations for the upcoming 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards (for the 2026 ceremony), but the announcement immediately triggered a heated debate online regarding who was truly the “first Korean soloist” to achieve the honor.
Rosé secured three major nominations, including two in the coveted General Field (or “Big Four” categories) for her collaboration track “APT” with Bruno Mars :
- Record of the Year
- Song of the Year
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
This achievement makes her the first Korean artist to be nominated for one of the “Big Four” as a lead artist, and the first Korean solo act to earn multiple nominations in a single year.
The Core of the Debate: Rosé vs. Jo Sumi
BLACKPINK’s Rosé (Credit: Pinterest)
- The Claim for Rosé (The K-Pop Soloist Record): Viral accounts initially celebrated Rosé as the “first Korean soloist to earn a #GRAMMYs nomination.” This record is technically correct when specified as the first K-Pop soloist and the first Korean solo act nominated in a Major Field category.
- The Counter-Claim for Jo Sumi (The Korean Solo Singer Record): Many users immediately corrected the viral posts, pointing out that internationally renowned coloratura soprano Jo Sumi (조수미) was the first Korean solo singer to be nominated and win a GRAMMY, which she received in 1993. Her win was for Best Opera Recording for her performance in Richard Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten, conducted by Sir Georg Solti.
- The Clarification: Supporters of Rosé’s record clarified that while Jo Sumi did win in 1993, she was nominated and awarded as part of an ensemble or cast for the opera recording, which falls under the Classical Field. Rosé, by contrast, is the first to be nominated as a solo-credited artist in the General and Pop music categories, which are the awards most associated with the contemporary K-Pop industry.
Ultimately, the consensus among industry commentators is that while Jo Sumi was the first Korean person to win a GRAMMY, and in a non-popular category, Rosé’s nomination represents a distinct and historic first for the K-Pop genre and for a Korean solo artist in the Major Pop/General Categories.
The BTS Context and Media Play Accusations
The debate also reignited an older controversy surrounding the labeling of BTS’s initial historic nominations (beginning in 2021 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance).
Netizens accused BTS’s agency (HYBE) and fan accounts of historically using the broad term “first Korean artist” nominated for a GRAMMY, when the more accurate and historical term would have been the “first K-Pop act” or the first act nominated in a Pop category.
This distinction, which often overlooked the prior achievements of classical artists like Jo Sumi and sound engineers like Hwang Byung-jun (who won in technical categories), led to accusations of “media play” intended to maximize the historical significance of the boy group’s nominations.
The discourse surrounding Rosé’s nomination has served to highlight the need for clear and specific historical terminology when discussing Korean achievements across the classical, popular, and technical fields at major international awards ceremonies.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie is officially set to make her highly anticipated solo appearance at the prestigious Mad Cool Festival 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
The announcement, made by organizers on November 10, 2025, confirmed that the global K-pop star will take the stage on Thursday, July 9, 2026, solidifying her status as a major international headliner.
This solo performance marks a significant moment in her career, bringing her unique artistry and global influence to one of Europe’s largest and most celebrated music events.
A Milestone for Mad Cool: The 10th Anniversary
The 2026 edition holds special significance as it celebrates the festival’s 10th anniversary. Since its inception in 2016, Mad Cool has established itself as a premier destination for music fans, consistently drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees with its eclectic mix of rock, pop, electronic, and hip-hop acts.
The festival is renowned for its commitment to showcasing world-class talent, making Jennie’s inclusion a testament to her widespread appeal and the growing integration of K-pop into the global festival circuit.
The event will run from July 8 to 11, 2026, at the expansive Iberdrola Music venue in Villaverde, Madrid.
Over 70 performers are slated to participate across the four-day event, promising a diverse and unforgettable experience for attendees.
A Star-Studded Lineup on July 9th
Jennie will perform on Thursday, July 9, 2026, sharing the day’s bill with several other iconic international acts.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie (Credit: YouTube)
This particular day is shaping up to be a powerhouse of female artistry and pop dominance.
Confirmed to perform on the same day as Jennie are legendary British indie-rockers Florence + The Machine and acclaimed singer-songwriter Lorde.
Other notable artists who will be performing across the four days include rock giants Foo Fighters, pop-punk duo Twenty One Pilots, British rock band Pulp, and alternative favorites like Wolf Alice, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Moby.
The sheer depth and variety of the lineup underscore Mad Cool’s ability to attract music legends and contemporary chart-toppers alike, with Jennie representing the pinnacle of modern pop and K-pop’s international reach.
Jennie’s Solo Debut on the Grand Stage
While Jennie is beloved as a member of the iconic group BLACKPINK, her solo endeavors have been equally impactful.
Her appearance at Mad Cool Festival 2026, performing under her own label, OA (Odd Atelier), which she launched in 2023, symbolizes her creative independence and evolution as an artist.
Fans can anticipate a high-energy, visually stunning performance that showcases her signature blend of charisma, powerful stage presence, and captivating music.
The announcement was made official via the OA Twitter account with the tag: “See you in Madrid @madcoolfestival.”
This confirms her commitment to bringing a spectacular and memorable show to the Spanish capital.
Planning Your Trip: Tickets and Next Steps
For fans eager to witness this landmark performance, ticket information is readily available.
The general sale for both four-day passes and single-day tickets is set to begin on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CET.
Prospective attendees are advised to visit the festival’s official website, https://www.madcooltickets.com, for detailed information on pricing and ticket categories.
Given the festival’s significance and the star power of its lineup, tickets are expected to sell quickly.
Jennie’s performance is not just a concert; it is a cultural moment that highlights the ever-expanding global footprint of K-pop and promises to be one of the must-see music events of 2026.
