Blackpink’s Lisa Performs ‘SaWaDiKa’ Live for First Time at MTV Video Music Awards

Lisa continues to unleash her new era. On Sunday, the singer-rapper performed her new single “Sawadika” live for the first time at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Lisa played up the boxing theme from the “Sawadika” music video for her performance. “I’m that bitch on your TV and my Ferrari indigo,” she spit. “La Lalisa, la diva, sawadika there she go.” The rapper ripped through intense choreography while the song blared through the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, at one point cruising on a moving platform that she’d later climb on top of. It was part boxing match, part raging night club.

The track marks Lisa’s return to her rap roots, as she spits bars with the sharp prowess she’s known for. Produced by Thom Bridges, who has worked with Katseye and John Summit among other artists, and songwriting duo Ojivolta, “Sawadika” is also a thumping first look into Lisa’s forthcoming EP, Press Play, which arrives on Oct. 23 via LLOUD Co./RCA Records.

The Blackpink member took home the first award of the night for Best Pop. She cried through most of her acceptance speech, overcome with emotion. “All those late night dreams brought me here today,” she said.

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Lisa is still up for three awards at the VMAs, including Best Pop, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best K-Pop. In the K-pop category, Lisa will go up against Blackpink, which has also been nominated for their 2025 comeback single “Jump.” Lisa’s solo nominations are for “Dreamer,” the lead single from her 2025 debut album Alter Ego.

It’s bound to be a busy year for the Blackpink member. After the release of her EP, her documentary Always Lalisa premieres worldwide Oct. 12. Later in the fall, Lisa will kick off her Viva La Lisa residency in Las Vegas, where she will perform at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 13, Nov. 14, Nov. 27, and Nov. 28.