Ed Sheeran Co-writes Katseye’s New Single “Animal”

Katseye, the girl group from Netflix’s *Pop Star Academy*, has issued a new single titled “Animal.” The track was written by Ed Sheeran with Johnny McDaid, Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin. The group says the song is aimed at broad, mainstream consumption, marking a shift from earlier club-focused releases.

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Katseye debuted two years ago after being assembled on *Pop Star Academy*. Their catalog includes the Latin-pop-inspired “Gabriela,” which reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the viral “Gnarly,” a quirky ode to fried chicken, Takis and Teslas. A recent single, “Pinky Up,” received limited attention, and member Manon Bannerman is on indefinite hiatus. The group has been seeking a universally resonant hit to solidify their place in pop.

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Ed Sheeran, a decade-long stadium-selling artist, has a track record of writing chart-topping songs for himself (“Shape of You,” “Shivers”) and for others (e.g., “Love Yourself” for Justin Bieber). His reputation for catchy, radio-friendly material made him a logical choice for Katseye’s next effort.

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• Ed Sheeran – Singer-songwriter and veteran hitmaker.

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• Katseye – Girl group signed to HYBE and Geffen, originating from *Pop Star Academy*.

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• Johnny McDaid, Omer Fedi, Blake Slatkin – Co-writers and producers on “Animal.”

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• Lara – Katseye member who highlighted the involvement of a “very special person” during the song’s livestream debut.

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• Daniela – Katseye member who contrasted “Animal” with “Pinky Up,” emphasizing its broader appeal.

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• Two years ago – Katseye formed on *Pop Star Academy*.

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• Earlier releases – “Gabriela” charted at #21; “Gnarly” gained viral traction.

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• Prior to “Animal” – Sheeran discovered “Gnarly” while in Mexico, expressed admiration, and reached out to write a song.

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• Recent – “Animal” released as a standalone single.

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• In about two weeks – Katseye will issue its third EP, *Wild*, which will include both “Animal” and “Pinky Up.”

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• “Gabriela” peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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• No chart data are yet available for “Animal,” as it has just been released.

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• The upcoming EP *Wild* will feature two tracks, expanding the group’s discography.

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The collaboration positions Katseye for wider radio play and mainstream visibility, moving them beyond niche club tracks toward everyday listening environments. Sheeran’s involvement signals industry confidence in the group’s potential and reflects a broader pattern of established songwriters supporting emerging pop acts.

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• Ed Sheeran shared on Instagram that he was in Mexico, heard “Gnarly,” and reached out to Katseye after becoming a fan.

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• Lara, during the “Countdown to Animal” livestream, noted that a “very special person” wrote the song, confirming Sheeran’s role.

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• Daniela explained that while “Pinky Up” feels like a club rave, “Animal” is designed for casual, everyday listening.

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Katseye’s third EP, *Wild*, containing “Animal” and “Pinky Up,” is slated for release in about two weeks, offering fans a fuller picture of the group’s evolving sound and the impact of Sheeran’s songwriting contribution.

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