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Alex Warren & ROSÉ’s “On My Mind” debuts at #60 on this week’s Hot 100
Jul
Alex Warren & ROSÉ’s “On My Mind” Debuts at #60 on This Week’s Hot 100: A New Milestone for TikTok Stardom and K-pop Crossover
In a surprising yet exciting turn for the global music landscape, Alex Warren and ROSÉ of BLACKPINK have officially entered the Billboard Hot 100 with their collaborative single “On My Mind,” debuting at #60 on this week’s chart. The release marks a major milestone for both artists — one known for his viral rise on TikTok, the other a global superstar of K-pop royalty. Their partnership is not only musically compelling but culturally significant, signaling a powerful convergence between Western internet culture and the polished pop machinery of South Korea.
A Cross-Cultural Collaboration Years in the Making
Alex Warren’s journey from TikTok influencer to serious recording artist has been well-documented. Known for his emotional ballads and raw lyrics, Warren has been building momentum in the music industry over the past few years, slowly shedding the label of “social media star” to earn a place as a pop singer-songwriter. Meanwhile, ROSÉ — a member of global girl group BLACKPINK — has long been praised for her emotive vocals and elegant delivery, particularly following her successful solo debut “On the Ground” in 2021.
Although their fanbases seemed vastly different at first glance, the idea of a collaboration between Warren and ROSÉ had been teased for months through cryptic social media exchanges and behind-the-scenes footage. When “On My Mind” finally dropped, fans were eager to hear how their distinct musical styles would blend.
The Song: Emotional Pop Ballad with Broad Appeal
“On My Mind” is a mid-tempo pop ballad steeped in emotional vulnerability and introspection. Lyrically, the song deals with the lingering pain of a past relationship and the haunting presence of a former lover. The chorus is melodic and accessible, featuring a hook that sticks long after the first listen:
“Even when I’m smiling / You’re still on my mind / I try to move on / But you’re frozen in time…”
Alex’s deep, breathy delivery contrasts with ROSÉ’s light, ethereal vocals — and the interplay between the two builds a sense of longing and unresolved emotion. The production, while minimalist, leans on piano, ambient pads, and subtle strings, allowing the vocals to take center stage.
ROSÉ’s parts, sung in English, allow her emotional resonance to shine without a language barrier, giving the track a global reach. Critics have noted the track’s sonic similarity to previous works from artists like Lewis Capaldi and Billie Eilish — yet with a fresh and authentic twist thanks to the unlikely duo.
Billboard Hot 100: Why #60 Is a Big Deal
While debuting at #60 might not seem monumental to casual chart watchers, for an independent artist like Warren, it’s a massive win. It signifies that the song had enough digital sales, streaming, and radio impact to earn a coveted spot on the most competitive music chart in the world.
For ROSÉ, the milestone is more complex. While BLACKPINK has charted on the Hot 100 multiple times, this is one of her first entries as a featured solo artist on a collaborative track. It reinforces her strength outside of the K-pop group and adds another achievement to her already impressive résumé.
Together, this chart entry symbolizes more than numbers — it represents the breaking down of traditional industry barriers, allowing creators from digital platforms and international pop scenes to compete on equal footing.
Fan Reactions and Global Buzz
The fan reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Within hours of the song’s release, hashtags like #OnMyMind, #ROSExAlex, and #OnMyMindOutNow were trending across Twitter/X, TikTok, and Instagram.
Fans praised the chemistry between the artists, while many new listeners were surprised to learn that Warren came from a social media background. Likewise, ROSÉ’s participation drew in K-pop fans who may not have otherwise discovered Warren’s music.
On TikTok, creators used the song for emotional storytelling, break-up montages, and aesthetic edits — all of which contributed to the song’s virality and boosted its streaming numbers. The accompanying lyric video also gained traction, racking up millions of views within the first 48 hours.
Industry Response and Critical Reception
Critics were pleasantly surprised by the collaboration, with many pointing out that Warren’s songwriting and ROSÉ’s vocal elegance created a haunting and beautiful piece of pop music. Music blogs such as Pitchfork, NME, and Billboard praised the track’s sincerity and production value.
An excerpt from a Billboard review stated:
“Though Warren’s roots are in TikTok, ‘On My Mind’ feels like a mature, fully-formed single — elevated by ROSÉ’s performance, which brings emotional nuance and star power.”
Music industry insiders also noted that this kind of collaboration is becoming increasingly common — with social media creators leveraging their platforms to partner with international stars, creating unique sonic blends and breaking old genre molds.
The Bigger Picture: TikTok Stars and K-Pop Idols Taking Over the Charts
The success of “On My Mind” is part of a larger trend where the lines between digital fame and music credibility are blurring. Artists like Addison Rae, Dixie D’Amelio, and even YouTubers like Joji have proven that audiences are willing to give social media stars a chance — as long as the music delivers.
On the other hand, K-pop idols continue to expand their influence globally, with stars like Jungkook, Jimin, and ROSÉ herself increasingly appearing in solo projects outside of their groups. This reflects a growing demand for cross-cultural content and an appetite for genre-blending songs that connect emotionally.
What makes “On My Mind” stand out is the organic chemistry between the artists and the sincerity of the song’s message. It doesn’t feel like a clout-driven stunt — it feels like a genuine artistic expression that just happens to involve two very online, very famous people.
What’s Next for Alex Warren and ROSÉ?
With the success of “On My Mind,” both artists are positioned for exciting developments.
For Alex Warren, the charting single provides proof that his music career has real momentum. He’s expected to release an EP or full-length album later this year, and industry insiders are watching closely to see whether he can continue this upward trajectory.
For ROSÉ, the song adds a powerful chapter to her solo journey. Fans are hoping this could lead to more English-language collaborations or even a second solo album. Her ability to move fluidly between K-pop and Western pop markets demonstrates her potential as a true global artist.
Rumors are already circulating of a potential live performance of “On My Mind” — possibly at the MTV VMAs or Billboard Music Awards — which would only elevate the track’s visibility.
Conclusion: “On My Mind” Is More Than a Viral Hit — It’s a Cultural Moment
The debut of “On My Mind” at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100 is a defining moment for both Alex Warren and ROSÉ. It validates the power of cross-platform and cross-cultural collaboration, showing that the future of pop music lies in authentic connection, genre fluidity, and global resonance.
In an industry often dominated by major labels and traditional star-making machines, this chart entry is a beacon of hope — proving that talent, emotion, and smart collaboration can still break through the noise. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, “On My Mind” leaves a lasting impression: delicate, heartfelt, and genuinely unforgettable.
