BLACKPINK's Lisa Performs 'SaWaDiKa' Live for First Time at MTV VMAs - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - BLACKPINK member Lisa performed her new single “SaWaDiKa” live for the first time at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV VMA) in Los Angeles on Sept. 27, 2026.
The performance continued the singer-rapper’s new era, with Lisa drawing heavily on the boxing theme featured in the music video for “SaWaDiKa”, according to Rolling Stone.
Dressed for the high-energy performance, Lisa delivered the song’s rap verses while performing intense choreography onstage at the Peacock Theater. At one point, she rode a moving platform before climbing on top of it, combining elements of a boxing match with the atmosphere of a late-night club.
“SaWaDiKa” also marks a return to Lisa’s rap roots, showcasing the sharp delivery that has characterized her solo work. The track was produced by Thom Bridges, who has worked with artists including KATSEYE and John Summit, and songwriting duo Ojivolta.
The song is the first preview of Lisa’s upcoming EP, Press Play, which is scheduled for release on Oct. 23 through LLOUD Co. and RCA Records.
Lisa also took home the first award of the night, winning Best Pop for “Dream featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.”
The BLACKPINK member became emotional during her acceptance speech, with tears throughout much of her remarks.
“All those late night dreams brought me here today,” Lisa said.
Lisa was also nominated in several other categories at the 2026 MTV VMAs, including Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best K-pop. In the Best K-pop category, she competed against BLACKPINK, which was nominated for its 2025 comeback single “Jump.”
Lisa’s solo nominations were tied to “Dreamer,” the lead single from her 2025 debut album, Alter Ego.
Lisa’s MTV VMA appearance comes as she prepares for several upcoming projects.
Her documentary, Always Lalisa, is scheduled to premiere worldwide on Oct. 12, shortly before the release of Press Play on Oct. 23.
Later in the fall, Lisa will begin her Viva La Lisa residency in Las Vegas. She is scheduled to perform at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 13, Nov. 14, Nov. 27 and Nov. 28.
