Lisa Debuts 'SaWaDiKa' Live at MTV VMAs, Wins Best Pop

Lisa performed her new single "SaWaDiKa" live for the first time on Sunday at the MTV Video Music Awards, staged at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The Blackpink member built the performance around the boxing theme of the song's music video. "I'm that bitch on your TV and my Ferrari indigo," she rapped. "La Lalisa, la diva, sawadika there she go." She tore through intense choreography and at one point rode a moving platform, later climbing on top of it. The number read as part boxing match, part raging nightclub.

"SaWaDiKa" marks a return to Lisa's rap roots, delivered with the sharp prowess she is known for. Thom Bridges produced the track; his credits include Katseye and John Summit. The songwriting duo Ojivolta also contributed. The single offers a first taste of Lisa's forthcoming EP, Press Play, due Oct. 23 via LLOUD Co./RCA Records.

The performance capped a winning night. Lisa took home the first award of the ceremony, Best Pop, and cried through most of her acceptance speech. "All those late night dreams brought me here today," she said.

She entered the night with multiple nominations, including Best Pop, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best K-Pop. In the K-pop category, she faces competition from her own group: Blackpink earned a nod for their 2025 comeback single "Jump." Lisa's solo nominations recognize "Dreamer," the lead single from her 2025 debut album Alter Ego.

The autumn ahead is crowded. Her documentary Always Lalisa premieres worldwide Oct. 12, ahead of the EP's release. Later in the fall, she opens her Viva La Lisa residency in Las Vegas, performing at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 13, Nov. 14, Nov. 27, and Nov. 28.

With a new EP, a documentary, and a Las Vegas residency stacked into a single season, Lisa is betting that her solo momentum can stand alongside — and even compete against — the group that made her famous.