Blackpink’s Rosé recently captivated audiences with an impromptu musical performance during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. the globally recognized artist seamlessly combined elements of Lana Del Rey‘s “Norman Fucking Rockwell” with Paul Simon‘s classic hit, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”, demonstrating a remarkable range and artistic flair.
A Unique Musical Blend
Table of Contents
- 1. A Unique Musical Blend
- 2. Recent achievements & ‘APT.’ Success
- 3. Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
- 4. The Rising Influence of K-Pop
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Rosé and ‘APT.’
- 6. How does Lana Del Rey’s stylistic approach contrast with Paul Simon’s, and how did she bridge this gap in her ‘Howard Stern Show’ medley?
- 7. Lana Del Rey’s Striking ‘Howard Stern Show’ Performance: Rosé, Paul Simon & Musical Nuance
- 8. The Medley: A Fusion of Styles
- 9. Why Paul Simon? Del rey’s Influences
- 10. “Rosé” – A Deep Dive into the Song’s Context
- 11. The Impact of the ‘Howard Stern Show’ Performance
The performance, wich was shared on YouTube on Friday, September 26, saw Rosé offer a fresh take on both iconic songs. She cleverly adapted the lyrics of Del Rey’s track, ensuring a more radio-friendly presentation while preserving the song’s core emotional resonance. The medley highlighted her vocal control and ability to navigate diverse musical styles.
“You talk to the walls when the party gets bored of you/But I don’t get bored, I just see it through/Why wait for the best when I could have you?” Rosé sang, smoothly transitioning into Simon’s 1975 hit.
“You just slip out the back, Jack/Make a new plan, Stan/You don’t need to be coy, Roy/Just get yourself free,” she continued, effortlessly delivering the lyrics. “Hop on the bus, Gus/You don’t need to discuss much/Just drop off the key, Lee/And get yourself free.”
Recent achievements & ‘APT.’ Success
This appearance comes on the heels of important accomplishments for the K-pop star. Earlier in September, Rosé’s collaborative single ‘APT.’, featuring Bruno Mars, surpassed an extraordinary 2 billion views on YouTube-a first for any of her solo work.
The track has garnered widespread acclaim and broken numerous records as it’s release last October. ‘APT.’ quickly became the fastest K-pop song to achieve over one billion streams on Spotify,solidifying Rosé’s position as a leading force in the music industry. According to spotify charts as of September 2025, ‘APT.’ continues to maintain a high ranking in global streaming lists.
| achievement | Date |
|---|---|
| ‘APT.’ surpasses 2 billion YouTube views | September 2025 |
| First Korean act to win VMA Song of the Year | September 2024 |
| ‘APT.’ exceeds 1 billion Spotify streams | November 2024 |
Rosé also made history by becoming the first Korean artist to win the coveted Song of the Year award at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in September 2024.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
Industry experts have hailed ‘APT.’ as a standout track. NME included the song in its list of the 50 best songs of 2024, and ranked it as the second-best K-pop song of the year. Critics have praised the song’s inventive interpolation of Toni Basil’s “Mickey” and its upbeat, infectious energy. A five-star review from NME highlighted Rosé’s vocal power and the song’s accomplished blend of vintage pop-rock elements.
Did You Know? The success of ‘APT.’ demonstrates a growing trend of K-pop artists collaborating with established Western musicians, broadening their global reach and influence.
pro Tip: artists can leverage cross-genre collaborations to introduce their music to new audiences and expand their fanbase, as evidenced by Rosé’s partnership with Bruno Mars.
Do you think Rosé’s versatility will open doors for more K-pop artists to experiment with different genres? What other musical collaborations would you like to see from Rosé in the future?
The Rising Influence of K-Pop
The global rise of K-Pop over the last decade has been nothing short of phenomenal. Groups like Blackpink, BTS, and others have broken numerous records and amassed massive international followings. According to a report by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) released in June 2025, the K-Pop industry generated over $10 billion in revenue in 2024, showcasing its immense economic impact. This success is attributed to a combination of factors,including highly produced music,captivating choreography,and active engagement with fans through social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosé and ‘APT.’
- What is Rosé known for? Rosé is a member of the globally successful K-pop group Blackpink and has also established a thriving solo career.
- what is ‘APT.’ about? ‘APT.’ is a playful and flirty song about uncertainty in a relationship, created in collaboration with Bruno Mars.
- What awards has Rosé won? Rosé has won numerous awards,including the MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Year in 2024
- How successful was ‘APT.’ on Spotify? ‘APT.’ became the fastest K-pop song to reach one billion streams on Spotify.
- What made Rosé’s Howard stern Show performance unique? Rosé blended songs by Lana Del Rey and Paul Simon in an unexpected and captivating medley.
Share your thoughts on Rosé’s performance and recent achievements in the comments below!
How does Lana Del Rey’s stylistic approach contrast with Paul Simon’s, and how did she bridge this gap in her ‘Howard Stern Show’ medley?
Lana Del Rey’s Striking ‘Howard Stern Show’ Performance: Rosé, Paul Simon & Musical Nuance
Lana Del Rey’s recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show wasn’t just an interview; it was a captivating musical moment. The singer-songwriter delivered a unique and unexpected medley, seamlessly blending her own track “Rosé” with selections from Paul Simon’s iconic catalog. This performance has quickly become a talking point for fans and critics alike, sparking discussion about Del Rey’s artistry and her influences.
The Medley: A Fusion of Styles
Del Rey’s live rendition wasn’t a straightforward cover. Instead, she wove elements of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” into a performance of her 2019 Norman Fing Rockwell!* track, “Rosé.”
Here’s a breakdown of what made the medley so compelling:
* Unexpected Pairing: The juxtaposition of Del Rey’s melancholic,cinematic style with Simon’s upbeat,folk-infused sound was initially surprising.
* Harmonic Blending: Del Rey skillfully adapted the chord progressions and melodic fragments of the Simon songs to fit the mood of “Rosé,” creating a cohesive and surprisingly harmonious blend.
* Lyrical Interplay: While not directly altering the lyrics of “Rosé,” the inclusion of Simon’s melodies added layers of meaning and context, prompting listeners to consider new interpretations of Del Rey’s song.
* Live Vocal Performance: Del Rey’s signature vocal delivery – breathy, emotive, and often understated – was on full display, adding to the performance’s intimate and captivating quality.
Why Paul Simon? Del rey’s Influences
The choice of Paul Simon as inspiration isn’t entirely random. Del Rey has often cited classic American songwriters as key influences, and Simon’s storytelling prowess and melodic sensibility align with her own artistic sensibilities.
Consider these points:
* Storytelling Tradition: Both Del Rey and Simon are known for crafting narratives within their songs, often exploring themes of love, loss, and the American experience.
* Melodic Complexity: Simon’s music, while seemingly simple, often features sophisticated harmonic structures and rhythmic patterns. This complexity resonates with Del Rey’s own approach to songwriting.
* American Songbook Connection: Simon is a cornerstone of the American songbook, and del Rey frequently draws upon this tradition in her work, referencing and reinterpreting classic sounds and themes.
* Previous References: Fans have noted subtle nods to Simon’s work in Del Rey’s previous albums, suggesting a long-standing appreciation for his artistry.
“Rosé” – A Deep Dive into the Song’s Context
Understanding “Rosé” itself is crucial to appreciating the medley. Released on Norman Fing Rockwell!, the song is a wistful reflection on a past relationship, tinged with nostalgia and regret.
Key elements of “Rosé” include:
* Lyrical Themes: The song explores themes of lost love, faded memories, and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.
* musical Style: “Rosé” is characterized by its slow tempo, lush instrumentation, and Del Rey’s signature vocal delivery.
* Album Context: *Norman Fing Rockwell!* is widely considered a landmark album in Del Rey’s discography, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and her ability to blend diverse musical influences.
* Critical Reception: The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its lyrical depth and atmospheric soundscape.
The Impact of the ‘Howard Stern Show’ Performance
the performance on The Howard Stern Show has generated notable buzz online, with clips circulating widely on social media platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Here’s what the reaction has been like:
* Fan Appreciation: Fans have lauded Del Rey’s creativity and musicianship, praising her ability to reimagine both her own work and that of a legendary artist.
* Critical Commentary: Music critics have offered insightful analysis of the medley, highlighting its unexpected beauty and its reflection of Del Rey’s artistic influences.
* Increased Streaming:** Following the performance, streams of both “