KATSEYE are now two-time Grammy nominees and their reactions were overwhelming.
The global girl group—consisting of Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae, spoke to Complex’s Mami Tiff shortly after learning they earned nods for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their viral hit “Gabriela” for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
“On top of the world,” said Sophia of her feelings about the nominations.
“Throwing up, crying, freaking out,” Manon quipped.
“In [all] seriousness, it feels so emotional because we've worked so hard and like our team has worked so hard. Just everyone that has come together to create KATSEYE. We've put our genuine blood, sweat, and tears, like, all of that into this,” added Lara. “It's not everything, but it feels like everything.”
Sophia also explained that the KATSEYE members watched the Grammy nominations live stream in their respective homes and sent reaction videos to each other and their management via group chat.
Mami Tiff also made sure to ask how the group will celebrate if they bring home a trophy.
“Party!” exclaimed Megan.
“Call our moms, tell everyone we know,” said Daniela.
KATSEYE were assembled after successfully competing on the K-Pop inspired competition The Debut: Dream Academy (later chronicled on the Netflix series, Popstar Academy: KATSEYE). They formally made their debut in 2024 under HYBE and Geffen Records. The group quickly made a breakthrough with the single “Touch.”
The band continued their streak of success with their EP BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, which features viral hits “Gnarly,” “Gabriela,” and “Gameboy.”
As noted by Shin Ha-Nee of the Korea JoongAng Daily, K-Pop reached a new milestone at the Grammys with a wave of nominations that extend beyond its usual boundaries.
In addition to KATSEYE’s nods, Blackpink's Rosé scored three nominations for her megahit "APT." with Bruno Mars, which is up for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Netflix's animated hit KPop Demon Hunters achieved five nominations.
The soundtrack’s breakout hit "Golden" was nominated for Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media and Best Remixed Recording. The film's soundtrack album is up for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
These achievements mark the first time K-Pop-affiliated artists have been nominated in three of the Grammys' "Big Four" categories-Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist.
Until now, BTS had been the only K-Pop act nominated for a Grammy, having competed in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video but never winning. Classical soprano Sumi Jo remains one of the few Korean Grammy winners, alongside sound engineer Hwang Byung-joon.
A victory for Rosé, KPop Demon Hunters or KATSEYE would mark the first Grammy awarded to a work or artist directly tied to the K-Pop ecosystem.
