BLACKPINK member Jennie took center stage at the 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA) on December 25, delivering a high-octane medley from her solo album Ruby that not only stole the show but also rewrote industry benchmarks. Within 24 hours of its official upload, the performance racked up 11.7 million YouTube views breaking a six-year viewership record previously held by a collaborative stage at the 2019 MMAs.
The milestone performance marked a historic moment for the artist, who became the first soloist in Melon Music Awards history to clinch the prestigious Record of the Year award. In addition to this top honor, Jennie also secured recognition as a Top 10 Artist and earned a spot in the Millions Top 10 an accolade reserved for acts whose music has surpassed one million cumulative streams on the Melon platform.
“We are witnessing a new era of solo artistry in K-pop, and Jennie is leading the charge,” said MMA’s chief organizer Park Min-jung in a post-ceremony statement. “Her ability to blend vocal prowess, dynamic choreography, and commanding stage presence has set a new standard for live performances, and her Record of the Year win is a testament to both her artistry and the deep connection she shares with global fans.”
The medley, curated from tracks across Ruby, showcased Jennie’s versatility as a performer transitioning seamlessly from hard-hitting hip-hop-influenced numbers to emotive mid-tempo ballads. Backed by a 30-piece dance crew and state-of-the-art stage production featuring LED walls and pyrotechnics, she commanded the Gocheok Sky Dome stage with a confidence that drew widespread praise from critics and industry peers alike. Music critic Kim Ji-hoon noted: “Every movement, every note was precision-crafted this is not just a performance, but a masterclass in how to hold an audience of 25,000 captive.”
While Jennie’s triumph was the night’s focal point, the ceremony also celebrated other K-pop luminaries. Legendary artist G-Dragon swept multiple Daesang (grand prize) awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most influential figures. The evening also featured standout performances from groups and soloists across generations, highlighting the breadth and evolution of K-pop.
As expected with major award show moments, discussion followed online with some supporters of fellow artist IU engaging in spirited debates comparing concert styles and performance approaches. However, praise for Jennie’s MMA set dominated social media, with hashtags #JennieMMA and #RubyMedley trending in 47 countries on Twitter and Instagram. Fans highlighted her attention to detail, from custom-designed stage wear to the seamless flow of the medley’s tracklist.
The momentum from the performance has translated to streaming success: lead tracks from Ruby saw a 350% surge in global streams on Spotify in the 48 hours following the awards, with several entries breaking into the platform’s Top 50 Global chart. Her label, YG Entertainment, confirmed that a deluxe edition of Ruby featuring remixes of the medley’s key tracks will be released in January 2026.
“Tonight was about celebrating the music that brings us all together,” Jennie shared in her acceptance speech for Record of the Year. “To my fans who have stood by me through every step of this solo journey this award belongs to you. I promise to keep pushing boundaries and creating music that speaks to our shared experiences.”
The 17th Melon Music Awards, broadcast live across 120 countries via YouTube and cable television, drew an estimated global viewership of 38 million making it one of the most-watched K-pop award shows of 2025.
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