Blackpink's Solo Stars Continue to Shine on U.S. Radio

The members of Blackpink have long proven their ability to dominate charts worldwide, both as a group and as solo artists. Each of the four women—Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo—has carved out a unique path in the music industry, with solo projects that showcase their individual talents. While their group releases consistently top global rankings, their solo ventures have brought them to new audiences, particularly in the United States. Recently, Jennie achieved a significant milestone on Billboard's Radio Songs chart, surpassing her bandmate Lisa and cementing her place as one of the most influential K-pop soloists in American radio history.

Jennie and Tame Impala Soar with 'Dracula'

Jennie's collaboration with Tame Impala, titled "Dracula," has been steadily climbing the Billboard Radio Songs chart since its debut. In its fourth week on the tally, the track jumped from No. 39 to No. 29, setting a new personal best for both artists. This ascent is particularly notable because it allowed Jennie to surpass Lisa's peak position on the same chart. Lisa's collaboration with Maroon 5, "Priceless," had reached No. 35 earlier in the year, but "Dracula" has now overtaken that mark. With this leap, Jennie's latest single becomes the fifth-highest-charting hit by a K-pop soloist on the Radio Songs chart, a historic achievement for any artist from the genre.

Understanding the Radio Songs Chart

Billboard's Radio Songs chart ranks the most-played tracks on radio stations across the United States, spanning multiple formats including pop, rhythmic, adult contemporary, and more. It is one of the most competitive charts in the music industry, as it reflects real-time audience reach and listener engagement. For K-pop artists, breaking into this chart has historically been challenging due to language barriers and limited airplay in mainstream markets. However, collaborations with Western acts have opened doors, allowing K-pop stars to gain traction on American radio. Jennie's success with "Dracula" exemplifies this trend, as the partnership with Tame Impala (the musical project of Australian artist Kevin Parker) bridges the gap between K-pop and alternative rock audiences.

Blackpink Members' Solo Billboard Achievements

Each Blackpink member has etched her name in Billboard history through solo projects. Rosé's collaboration with Bruno Mars, "Apt.," reached No. 4 on the Radio Songs chart and earned a Grammy nomination, making it the highest-charting song by a K-pop soloist on that ranking. Lisa's "Priceless" with Maroon 5 climbed to No. 35, while Jennie's "Dracula" now sits at No. 29 and continues to rise. Jisoo, while yet to score a major radio hit in the U.S., has had success on other Billboard charts with her solo single "Flower." Collectively, these achievements underscore the immense popularity of Blackpink's members in America.

Jennie's Solo Career: From 'Ruby' to Radio Dominance

Jennie's debut solo album, Ruby, released in 2024, featured several tracks that charted on the Billboard Hot 100, though none cracked the top 40. Her first foray onto the Radio Songs chart came in March 2024 with "One of the Girls," a collaboration with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp that peaked at No. 48. While that song was a modest hit, "Dracula" has proven to be a far more significant radio success. Jennie's ability to secure multiple entries on Radio Songs places her among a select group of K-pop soloists who have achieved sustained airplay in the United States. Her work with producers and artists from diverse genres has helped her expand her musical identity beyond the typical K-pop sound, appealing to a broader audience.

Historical Context: K-Pop on American Radio

K-pop's presence on U.S. radio has grown slowly but steadily over the past decade. The first major breakthrough came with Psy's "Gangnam Style" in 2012, which peaked at No. 12 on the Radio Songs chart. Since then, only a handful of K-pop acts have managed to chart on the list. Jung Kook of BTS reached No. 28 with "Left and Right" featuring Charlie Puth. However, it has been female artists who have achieved the highest peaks. "Golden," a track from the fictional group Huntr/x featured in the film KPop Demon Hunters, reached No. 1 in 2025, making it the first and only K-pop song to top the Radio Songs chart. That song included vocals from Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, with Ejae being the only artist closely associated with K-pop. Rosé's "Apt." at No. 4 remains the highest-ranking solo effort from the genre.

Tame Impala Reaches New Career High

For Tame Impala, "Dracula" represents a milestone as well. Kevin Parker, the creative force behind the project, has never had a song chart this high on Radio Songs before. While Tame Impala has enjoyed critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, mainstream radio success had remained elusive until this collaboration. The track's blend of Tame Impala's signature psychedelic pop with Jennie's vocals has resonated with programmers and listeners alike. As "Dracula" continues to climb, it introduces Parker's music to an even wider audience, potentially opening doors for future collaborations in the pop and K-pop spheres.

What This Means for Jennie and Blackpink's Future

Jennie's achievement is more than just a personal victory; it signals the growing acceptance of K-pop in mainstream American radio. As Blackpink members continue to release solo music and collaborate with Western artists, they are breaking down barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Lisa's and Rosé's successes have already paved the way, and Jennie's latest chart movement adds another layer to the group's legacy. Fans eagerly await what comes next, whether it be new solo projects or a future Blackpink comeback. With each chart milestone, these artists prove that K-pop is not a fleeting trend but a lasting force in global music.

Looking Ahead

With "Dracula" currently at No. 29 and still gaining momentum, Jennie may soon surpass Jung Kook's peak of No. 28, moving into fourth place among K-pop soloists. Given the song's upward trajectory, it is possible that it could even challenge the top 20. Such a feat would be unprecedented for a female K-pop soloist and would further solidify Jennie's status as an international superstar. Meanwhile, the other Blackpink members continue to work on their own projects, ensuring that the group's influence on American radio will only grow. As the music industry evolves, Jennie and her bandmates remain at the forefront, blending cultures and genres to create hits that transcend borders.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News