Rosé channels early 2000s Avril Lavigne vibe during Grammy Awards set

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Rosé of Blackpink delivered a standout performance of APT. with Bruno Mars that not only kicked off the ceremony with high energy but also carried a heartfelt homage to pop‑punk pioneer Avril Lavigne. As she took the stage in an outfit that many viewers compared to Lavigne’s early 2000s style, the gesture quickly sparked buzz online with fans pointing to the enduring influence of the Canadian singer nearly a quarter‑century after her debut release.

Rosé’s performance came as APT., her collaboration with Bruno Mars, stood out as one of the highlights of the evening and a celebration of her breakout solo success. The track, which earned nominations in major Grammy categories, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, has been praised for blending pop and rock influences and showcasing Rosé’s versatility as an artist.

As clips and reactions spread across social platforms, many fans pointed out that Rosé’s stage wardrobe and performance energy echoed the early pop‑punk era that Avril Lavigne helped define.

Avril Lavigne’s imprint on modern music has been significant. Her 2002 debut album Let Go introduced hits like Complicated that helped shape the pop‑punk sound of the early 2000s and influenced a wide range of artists who came after her. Despite her influence and multiple Grammy nominations over the years, Lavigne has never won a Grammy even though she has been nominated eight times, a fact that fans remembered and mentioned in threads discussing Rosé’s tribute.

Fans shared clips of Rosé’s performance and paired them with throwback tracks from Lavigne’s early catalogue, celebrating how her style and musical boldness resonate decades later. Others reflected on how Lavigne’s rebellious pop‑rock aesthetic set the stage for artists who mix genres and defy easy categorisation.

Rosé’s tribute, even if subtle in fashion and tone, seemed to strike a chord with viewers who enjoyed seeing a contemporary star acknowledge the roots of the sounds that helped shape her own musical identity. For many, it was a moment of appreciation for Lavigne’s legacy while also highlighting Rosé’s rising stature as a solo artist on one of music’s biggest stages.