3.4M Views on ROSÉ's APT. Performance, Critics Call It a 'Talent Show'

A clip of BLACKPINK's ROSÉ performing "APT." during the 2026 Art+Film Gala has garnered over 3.4 million views on The Hollywood Reporter's official X account, but it has also ignited fierce debates surrounding her vocal abilities. Viewers were quick to criticize her performance, labeling it as "horrible" and likening it to a “middle school talent show.”

The Hollywood Reporter shared the video on the 8th (KST), showcasing a performance that took place on the 7th (local time) at the LACMA gala in Los Angeles. Comments flooded in with remarks describing her vocals as “too average,” and many expressed disbelief at her fame, questioning, “How did she become this famous?” Harsh critiques continued with remarks such as, “Her vocals are a mess,” and that she “runs out of breath way too quickly.” Some took a sarcastic jab at the notion that she is BLACKPINK's strongest singer, suggesting a disconnect between perception and performance quality. Coverage in IndiaTimes echoed the widespread condemnation on the 8th.

Supporters cite sound mixing issues

Despite the backlash, not all feedback was negative. Many fans defended ROSÉ by pointing out problems with the arrangement and sound mixing of the performance. One commenter noted, “APT. isn’t meant to be played with just a guitar; the feel changes significantly without certain instruments.” Another observer urged, “Her voice was mixed far too loudly compared to the instruments, clearly a sound engineering issue.”

Speculation about her health also emerged, with comments suggesting that she appeared unwell, with users saying, “She seems sick” and that she might have been coughing during her performance. However, others countered that any perceived struggle was merely her conveying strong emotions through her delivery.

A different story with The Killers cover

ROSÉ's performance of The Killers' "Read My Mind" that same evening received a vastly different reception. On the 9th, Billboard praised her live vocals for being stronger than ever and noted how well she captured the song’s emotions. On the 10th, Stereogum echoed this sentiment, highlighting that ROSÉ’s choice of song was commendable, pointing out that she opted for a different hit rather than their more famous track, “Mr. Brightside.”

In total, she performed four songs: "APT.," "Number One Girl," "New Trick," and "Read My Mind." This gala marked her first live stage for New Trick, a solo single released in September. As she prepares for her second solo studio album expected in 2027, the contrasting responses to her recent performances will likely inform how her future live arrangements are crafted.

What Nate Pann users said

1. 1

   I think it's more of a timber issue than a voice color issue.

   136 upvotes, 11 downvotes▲136▼11
2. 2

   She can't sing but calls herself a singer?

   85 upvotes, 12 downvotes▲85▼12
3. 3

   Ever since I saw a comment mentioning that she sounds like Donald Duck, I can’t hear anything else but that.

   78 upvotes, 16 downvotes▲78▼16
4. 4

   For a long time, their voice has had a noticeable tremor and a thin quality, making it hard to even hear properly. It’s similar to Baek Yerin’s voice.

   22 upvotes, 7 downvotes▲22▼7
5. 5

   Compared to how famous they are, BLACKPINK really lacks talent.

   20 upvotes, 2 downvotes▲20▼2

The reception to ROSÉ's performances showcases the passionate divide among fans, a reality that will certainly shape the discussions around her artistry in the future.