KATSEYE Nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys
KATSEYE, the emerging girl group, has captured widespread attention with their nomination for Best New Artist at the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards. The highly anticipated ceremony will take place live on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, hosted by Trevor Noah.
KATSEYE’s Formation and Background
Formed in 2023, KATSEYE consists of six diverse members: Lara Raj from Los Angeles, Daniela Avanzini from Atlanta, Megan Skiendiel from Honolulu, Manon Bannerman from Switzerland, Sophia Laforteza from the Philippines, and Yoonchae Jeung from South Korea. The group originated from a competitive series, “The Dream Academy,” which inspired the Netflix documentary “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.”
A Unique Concept
The name KATSEYE symbolizes the group’s diversity. Similar to a cat’s eye gemstone that changes color, each member brings her own unique aesthetic and talent. This innovative concept was developed in partnership with Geffen Records and HYBE Entertainment, illustrating a unique blend of global influences in pop music.
Musical Achievements
KATSEYE made waves with their debut EP, “SIS (Soft Is Strong),” released in summer 2024. The standout single, “Debut,” quickly accumulated over 63 million views on YouTube. Following this, their second EP, “BEAUTIFUL CHAOS,” launched in June 2025, marking their first Billboard-charting track, “Gnarly,” featuring New York rapper Ice Spice.
Live Performances and Recognition
- 2025 MTV Video Music Awards performance featured “Gabriela” and “Gnarly.”
- Awarded PUSH Performance of the Year for “Touch.”
- Conducted a sold-out nationwide tour, “BEAUTIFUL CHAOS,” in mid-November 2025.
During their tour, tickets soared in some cities, reaching prices up to $4,000, highlighting their popularity among fans—affectionately known as “EYEKONS.”
Cultural Impact
KATSEYE gained further recognition through a viral Gap ad titled “Better in Denim.” Their performance, featuring a dance routine choreographed by Robbie Blue, had a significant cultural impact, resonating with wide audiences via social media. The ad resulted in increased sales for Gap, showcasing the group’s influence both artistically and commercially.
Grammy Nominations: A Milestone
Receiving two nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards—including Best New Artist—KATSEYE finds themselves in prestigious company. Other nominees in this category include Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, and Addison Rae. Band member Lara Raj expressed overwhelming gratitude for the nominations, acknowledging it as a significant honor. “It means so much to be recognized among so many individuals we admire,” she stated.
Looking Ahead
With their groundbreaking achievements and growing fan base, KATSEYE is poised to make a significant impact in the music industry. Their nominations at the Grammys serve as a testament to their hard work and talent, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.
