Bruno Mars Sings ‘I Just Might’ Live for the First Time During Throwback Grammys Performance

Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK vocalist Rosé opened the Grammy Awards with a powerful rendition of their chart-topping collaboration, "APT." The performance, the song's first at a major awards ceremony, began with a lighthearted moment as Rosé kissed Mars on the cheek before they launched into the rock-influenced track. Their dynamic stage chemistry captivated the audience from the outset, successfully setting a high-energy tone for the evening. The song has been a global streaming phenomenon since its late 2024 release, serving as the lead single for Rosé's debut solo project, "ROSIE."

Later in the show, Mars returned for a solo set, offering the live debut of "I Just Might," the lead single from his forthcoming album "The Romantic." Scheduled for release on February 27, this album marks his first solo studio project in nearly a decade, generating immense anticipation as the follow-up to 2016's multi-platinum "24K Magic." The thematically cohesive performance featured Mars and his band dressed in red against a giant heart-shaped backdrop, energizing the crowd to the point where celebrities like Lady Gaga were seen enthusiastically singing along.

Mars arrived at the ceremony with significant award prospects, earning three Grammy nominations for "APT.": Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The track's commercial performance was extraordinary, finishing at No. 1 on Apple Music’s year-end global charts for both Top Songs and Top Duets. This dual achievement is a rarity, highlighting the song's status as a genuine crossover phenomenon that bridged distinct musical fandoms. "The sustained streaming data for 'APT.' indicates a powerful fusion of K-pop's dedicated fanbase with mainstream Western pop audiences, creating an award-season contender that is both a critical and commercial force," observed music industry analyst Dr. Lena Cho.

The evening further solidified Mars's storied history with the Grammys, an institution he has been part of since his 2010 breakout. A fifteen-time Grammy winner, his accolades include Record of the Year honors for "Uptown Funk" (2014), "24K Magic" (2016), and "Leave the Door Open" (2021)—the latter won with Anderson .Paak as the duo Silk Sonic. His versatility was recently showcased in a 2023 charity performance with Lady Gaga. Looking forward, Mars will embark on his nearly sold-out "The Romantic Tour" in April, which will feature Anderson .Paak resuming his role as DJ Pee .Wee, promising a show that blends new material with his extensive catalog of hits.