ROSE Covers The Killers' 'Read My Mind' at LACMA Gala

In a highly anticipated appearance, BLACKPINK's ROSÉ delivered a spirited mini-concert at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala held in Los Angeles on November 7. The event, which celebrated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and artist Vija Celmins, saw ROSÉ performing a blend of covers and songs from her solo debut.

Among the highlights was her rendition of "Read My Mind," originally by The Killers from their 2006 album Sam's Town, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. ROSÉ's performance was noted for its emotive delivery and powerful vocals, bringing renewed energy to the Brandon Flowers-fronted track.

In addition to the cover, ROSÉ introduced her new solo single "New Trick," released in September, performing it with high energy that included hair flips and animated movements. She also played selections from her 2024 debut album Rosie, including the 12-week Billboard Global 200-charting duet "APT." with Bruno Mars and the track "Number One Girl," expanding the showcase of her solo repertoire.

The singer's appearance was marked by a delicate visual presentation, as she wore a white dress adorned with a pale pink flower decal, underscoring a soft contrast to her dynamic stage presence. Her set engaged an audience packed with notable Hollywood figures such as Nicole Kidman, Timothée Chalamet, Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek, Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner.

The gala itself was notable for raising nearly $7 million for LACMA’s programming, establishing a new fundraising record. ROSÉ’s set was a key moment within the event, underscoring the intersection of music, film, and visual art.

ROSÉ's decision to cover "Read My Mind" is significant as it connects her to a rock legacy different from her K-pop origins, potentially broadening her appeal across diverse audiences. This choice reflects an artistic versatility that may enrich her live performances and influence future musical directions.

Her showcase of solo tracks from Rosie alongside the cover highlights the progress of her individual career outside BLACKPINK, demonstrating her capacity to command attention in both group and solo contexts. The sustained chart success of "APT." indicates strong commercial momentum, further emphasized by the positive reception at such a prestigious venue.

Furthermore, performing at the LACMA Gala situates ROSÉ within a culturally influential setting, potentially enhancing her profile among U.S. entertainment elites and art world patrons. This environment may foster opportunities beyond typical K-pop circuits, blending mainstream pop with high art contexts.

Despite the gala's star-studded nature, the impact of ROSÉ’s performance on her upcoming touring cycle or future releases remains unconfirmed. However, the visibility gained from such an event often correlates with increased media attention and streaming activity.

Her choice to perform a song released just the previous September alongside older and new material suggests a strategic balance between promoting fresh work and reinforcing her established catalog. This approach may serve to maintain fan engagement while attracting new listeners through varied musical offerings.

As the K-pop market continues to expand globally, ROSÉ’s activities at high-profile events like the LACMA Gala illustrate a growing trend of artists crossing genre and cultural boundaries. This crossover is likely to influence the economics of her genre by opening new revenue streams and collaborative possibilities.

While the broader ramifications for BLACKPINK’s collective trajectory are not addressed here, ROSÉ’s solo performance at a major cultural event signals a potential shift in how individual members may cultivate separate identities alongside group projects.

The LACMA Art+Film Gala thus serves as a strategic platform for ROSÉ to deepen her artistic footprint, joining film and visual art luminaries in a celebration that extends her reach beyond traditional music industry confines.