K-Pop's Golden Era at the Grammys: History Made by Katseye, Huntr/x, and Rosé

Forget what you thought you knew about the Grammys and K-pop! This year, global girl group Katseye, the animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters, and Blackpink's Rosé aren't just getting nominated — they're absolutely smashing records in major categories, signaling a huge shift in music recognition.

TL;DR

• Global girl group Katseye is the first K-pop group nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy.
• The Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters scored four Grammy nominations, including a historic Song of the Year nod for "Golden."
• Blackpink's Rosé is the first K-pop female artist nominated in major "general fields" with her track "Apt."

From Streaming Screens to Grammy Dreams: K-Pop's Unprecedented Mainstream Breakthrough

Imagine this: You're humming a catchy tune you picked up from your kid's favorite animated Netflix movie, only to find out it's now a serious contender for one of music's most coveted awards. Or perhaps you've been following the journey of a new global girl group, cheering them on, and suddenly they're making history as Grammy nominees. This isn't a dream; it's the reality for K-pop at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where a diverse array of artists and groups are not just present, but are actively reshaping the landscape of global music recognition.

For years, K-pop, despite its colossal global fanbase and undeniable influence, often found itself on the sidelines of the Recording Academy's main stage. While groups like BTS broke ground with nominations in genre-specific categories, a true breakthrough into the "general fields" — the most prestigious awards like Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist — remained largely elusive. Until now. This year marks a pivotal moment, with an explosion of nominations that signify a significant turning point for the genre's acceptance in the U.S. and beyond.

Katseye's Ascent: A Truly Global Group Secures Best New Artist Nomination

Making waves just two years after their debut, the global girl group Katseye has achieved something truly remarkable: they are the first K-pop group ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. This nomination isn't just a nod to their talent; it's a testament to a groundbreaking approach to group formation and global appeal.

Katseye was forged through "The Debut: Dream Academy," a reality audition program that was a collaborative effort between HYBE, the South Korean entertainment powerhouse behind BTS, and Geffen Records. This unique partnership resulted in a group reflecting a rich tapestry of backgrounds: Daniela Avantzini, Meghan Skindiel, and Lara Raj hail from diverse American backgrounds; Manon Bannerman brings Swiss, Ghanaian, and Italian heritage; Sophia LaPorteza represents Manila; and Jung Yoon-chae hails from Korea. They consciously identify as a "global group" rather than purely K-pop, reflecting their varied roots.

Their journey has been a rapid one. After releasing their first EP, "SIS (Soft Is Strong)," in August 2024, which featured their breakthrough single "Touch," they quickly followed up with "Beautiful Chaos" in June 2025. This latest EP soared to an impressive No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing their strong commercial performance. Beyond music charts, their popularity was cemented by a viral appearance in Gap's "Better in Denim" advertisement, which strategically championed diversity in contrast to more traditional marketing. As member Lara Raj eloquently put it in a BBC Radio 1 interview, "Our biggest goal is to have a real impact on culture," emphasizing their versatility as a key advantage, with each project and song bringing a different style.

Beyond Best New Artist, Katseye also earned a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their song "Gabriela," placing them among established and emerging talents in a category typically dominated by collaborations or more traditional pop acts. Their dual nominations underscore their immediate impact and broad appeal across the music industry.

A Fictional Band, Real Impact: "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters Dominates Grammy Nominations

If you haven't heard "Golden" yet, you're probably living under a rock – a rock that doesn't have Netflix, TikTok, or a radio. This inescapable bop from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters has not only become a global obsession but also a Grammy phenomenon. The movie itself is Netflix's most popular film of all time, boasting over 325 million views, and "Golden" spent an astounding 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Now, the song and its creators are up for four Grammys, including the highly coveted Song of the Year.

The fictional band Huntr/x, voiced by the talented EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, performs "Golden." The track is nominated for Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media. The film's entire soundtrack is also up for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and a David Guetta remix of "Golden" is nominated for Best Remixed Recording. This widespread recognition is particularly groundbreaking, as "Golden" marks the first time a K-pop group's song has been nominated in the general field of Song of the Year. The Recording Academy’s acknowledgment goes beyond just popular appeal, deeming it worthy of the highest musical honors.

The artists behind Huntr/x have openly shared their shock and pride. EJAE, who is also a co-writer, admitted to Variety, "I’m not able to digest this time. I’m still in shock." She also made history as the first Korean-American female songwriter to be nominated for Song of the Year. Audrey Nuna highlighted the immense importance of representation, noting the significance of "three Korean faces" being seen on such a global stage, inspiring future generations. Rei Ami echoed the sentiment, expressing disbelief and overwhelming gratitude for the multiple nominations.

Example: Imagine Sarah, a busy mom, constantly hearing "Golden" because her kids watch KPop Demon Hunters on repeat. She finds herself humming it while making dinner, driving to work, and even at the grocery store. One morning, she hears a radio DJ announce the Grammy nominations, and to her surprise, "Golden" is listed among the biggest hits of the year for Song of the Year. Suddenly, the catchy kids' song takes on a whole new level of mainstream credibility in her eyes, showcasing how widely its appeal has spread beyond its intended audience.

The film's popularity transcended streaming, too, with Netflix taking the unusual step of bringing a sing-along version to theaters for fan events. It topped the box office with approximately $18 million over two days during its first theatrical run, and continued to draw audiences later in the year, proving its cultural footprint is much larger than typical streaming fare. A sequel to KPop Demon Hunters is already in talks, a testament to its explosive success.

Rosé of Blackpink: A Solo Star's Trailblazing Grammy Nominations

Adding to the K-pop history-making moment is Rosé, a member of the powerhouse K-pop girl group Blackpink. Stepping out as a solo artist, Rosé has cinched three Grammy nominations for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, "Apt." These include two of the most prestigious general field categories: Record of the Year and Song of the Year, as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. This achievement makes her the first K-pop female artist to be nominated in these major categories, further solidifying K-pop's growing presence at the Grammys.

"I cannot believe my life. I am STILL trying to process everything," Rosé shared on her social media, expressing profound gratitude for the nominations. "This means so much to me and many many others. I’m feeling so incredibly grateful today." Her song "Apt." peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating its immense commercial and critical appeal. Together, Rosé and EJAE's nominations represent a significant shift, with K-pop solo acts finally getting the high-level recognition they've long deserved.

A Word from the Nominees

"Our biggest goal is to have a real impact on culture. A big thing about us is being versatile. We switch it up with every project we put out. Even on each EP, every song is different and that is important to us."

— Lara Raj, Katseye (Source: BBC Radio 1 interview, cited by CNN)

K-Pop's Long Road to Grammy Legitimacy: Breaking Decades of Under-Recognition

The path to Grammy recognition for K-pop has been a slow and challenging one. For years, despite the genre's massive global footprint and dedicated fandoms, the Recording Academy seemed to largely overlook its contributions. BTS, undoubtedly the pioneers, earned several nominations for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and even a nod for Album of the Year for their collaboration with Coldplay. However, a win remained elusive, and general field nominations for other K-pop acts were rare to non-existent.

This year, however, feels different. With Katseye in Best New Artist, and "Golden" and "Apt." in Song of the Year, K-pop is no longer just a "global phenomenon" on the periphery; it's central to the conversation. "Golden" is the first girl group song nominated for Song of the Year since The Chicks in 2007, and alongside "Gabriela," it marks the first time a girl group has been nominated in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category since its creation in 2012. These aren't just minor milestones; they are significant breaches of long-standing barriers, finally showcasing the genre's artistic merit on equal footing with Western music's biggest names.

Addressing the Nuances of K-Pop's Grammy Impact: Beyond Just Pop

While K-pop's rise at the Grammys is cause for celebration, it's worth considering a couple of common perspectives or limitations. One might argue that a song like "Golden," originating from an animated kids' movie, might not carry the same weight as a more traditional pop or rock anthem. While it's true that songs from children's films rarely transcend soundtrack categories to compete for top prizes, "Golden's" astronomical popularity—being Netflix's most-watched film song ever and topping global charts for months—clearly demonstrates it has resonated far beyond its initial demographic. Its broad appeal and sheer cultural saturation validate its place among the year's most impactful songs, proving that great music can come from any source.

Another viewpoint might suggest that K-pop, often associated with meticulously produced groups, might be perceived as "manufactured" rather than artist-driven. However, the nominations themselves challenge this notion. EJAE's emotional reaction and her acknowledgement of feeling "imposter syndrome" as a Korean woman in the industry speak volumes. She and others have frequently mentioned needing to "work twice as hard" to achieve the same recognition as their counterparts. This experience underscores the immense effort, talent, and authentic artistry that goes into K-pop, from songwriting to performance, proving it's far more than just a slick package. The diversity of backgrounds within Katseye, and the collective spirit emphasized by the Huntr/x vocalists, further highlight the human element and dedication at the core of these groups.

What These Historic Grammy Nominations Mean for Global Music

This year's Grammy nominations are more than just awards; they're a powerful indicator of a shifting global music landscape. The recognition for Katseye, KPop Demon Hunters, and Rosé reflects a growing appreciation for diverse sounds and artists, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes mainstream success. It's a clear signal that the Recording Academy is finally catching up to what fans worldwide have known for years: K-pop is a force to be reckoned with, both culturally and artistically.

The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Get ready to witness history in the making!

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Grammy Nominations When are the 2026 Grammy Awards? The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Where can I watch the 2026 Grammy Awards? The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS and available to stream on Paramount+. Which K-pop acts made history with nominations this year? Katseye became the first K-pop group nominated for Best New Artist. Huntr/x's song "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters is the first K-pop group song nominated for Song of the Year. Rosé of Blackpink is the first K-pop female artist nominated in major general fields (Record of the Year, Song of the Year). What is KPop Demon Hunters and where can I watch it? KPop Demon Hunters is an animated film that became Netflix's most popular movie of all time. It is available to stream on Netflix. Sources

• CNN, "Katseye is having the best year ever and the Grammys just proved it," November 7, 2025.
• Variety, "‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Lands Grammy Nomination for Song of the Year," November 7, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Earn Multiple 2026 Grammy Nominations," November 7, 2025.
• Forbes, "Rosé And ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Make Grammy History For K-Pop," November 7, 2025.
• The Korea Herald, "Blackpink’s Rose earns Grammy nods with ‘APT.’," November 10, 2025.
• Polygon, "KPop Demon Hunters’ Huntr/x makes Grammy history for Netflix and Sony Animation," November 8, 2025.
• Rolling Stone, "Girl Groups Make History at 2026 Grammys With ‘Golden,’ Katseye Nominations," November 7, 2025.