Full Breakdown
Katseye and KPop Demon Hunters Unite at Coachella 2026
4/11/2026, 9:24:32 AM
Surprise Collaboration on Stage
During the opening night of Coachella 2026, the K-pop girl group Katseye made a significant impact by inviting the singers behind the fictional group HUNTR/X from the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" to perform alongside them. The surprise collaboration featured EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who joined Katseye—comprised of Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung—on the Sahara stage to perform their hit song "Golden." This performance occurred shortly after the trio celebrated their Oscar win for Best Original Song, further elevating the excitement of the festival.
Background and Context
Katseye gained prominence through the 2023 reality competition series "Dream Academy" and the Netflix docuseries "Popstar Academy: Katseye." Their rise in the music industry has been marked by multiple Billboard Hot 100 hits, including "Gnarly" and "Gabriela," and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2026. The song "Golden," which they performed at Coachella, has achieved remarkable success since its release in June 2025, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight non-consecutive weeks and winning several prestigious awards, including the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Performance Highlights
Katseye's set included a mix of their popular tracks such as "Pinky Up," "Internet Girl," and "Mean Girls," culminating in the collaborative performance of "Golden." The energy in the crowd shifted dramatically when HUNTR/X joined them, creating a memorable moment that resonated with festival-goers. Notably, Manon Bannerman, a member of Katseye, was absent from the performance due to a hiatus for health reasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Rei Ami, one of the voices of HUNTR/X, expressed the significance of their Oscar win and the performance, stating, “We worked our asses off. We’ve had the door shut in our faces. It’s long overdue validation.” This sentiment reflects the hard work and dedication both groups have invested in their careers.
Criticism & Opposition
While the collaboration was celebrated by many, some fans expressed disappointment over Manon Bannerman's absence from the performance. Her hiatus has raised questions about the group's dynamics and future performances.
What's Next for Katseye and HUNTR/X
Following their successful Coachella debut, Katseye is scheduled to perform again at the festival, with expectations high for their continued success. Meanwhile, the voice cast of HUNTR/X is set to return for a sequel to "KPop Demon Hunters," which is currently in development and targets a 2029 release. The future of both groups appears promising as they continue to build on their recent achievements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We worked our asses off. We’ve had the door shut in our faces. We were told we were too little, too much. It’s long overdue validation.” — Rei Ami, voice of Zoey in KPop Demon Hunters.
