The viral sensation from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, the song “Golden”, has taken the world by storm, and its creators couldn’t be more thrilled. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the talented trio behind the track and collectively known as HUNTR/X, shared their excitement exclusively with PEOPLE after learning that their music received three nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

HUNTR/X Reacts to the Grammy Nominations

When the nominations were announced on November 7, 2025, the trio was on a Zoom call together, and their reactions were priceless. Audrey Nuna recalls, “We all screamed. It was such a surreal moment for all of us.” EJAE, who co-wrote “Golden” with Mark Sonnenblick, added, “I got chills in my body. It’s honestly overwhelming.” Meanwhile, Rei Ami said, “I blacked out!”—capturing the sheer joy and disbelief the group felt.

The track “Golden” has been nominated for three prestigious categories: Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media. Additionally, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack was nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, highlighting the cultural and musical impact of the film.

From Netflix Hit to Grammy Nominee

In the animated Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami lend their voices to the characters Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), respectively. The film debuted in June 2025 and quickly became Netflix’s most-watched animated movie of all time, amassing over 236 million views.

The soundtrack has matched the film’s unprecedented success, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtracks chart and reaching No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Remarkably, it became the first soundtrack to feature four simultaneous Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as a global pop phenomenon.

Representation and Cultural Pride

For EJAE, the Grammy nods carry a deeper significance. She shared with PEOPLE, “I’m just so proud to be Korean. Growing up in America, I sometimes felt ashamed of my heritage. Being part of this cultural phenomenon allows us to showcase our roots in a beautiful way.” Audrey Nuna echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional resonance of the nomination: “A Grammy nomination means so much to anyone who creates music. It reflects not just this film, but our lives, our struggles, our parents, and our cultural history.”

Audrey Nuna added a heartfelt reflection on the group’s bond: “It’s the honor of a lifetime to stand alongside EJAE and Rei Ami. The sorority of it is really beautiful.”

Looking Forward to the Grammys

Rei Ami is already anticipating the upcoming Grammy ceremony, set to take place February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. When asked what she’s most excited about, she laughed and said, “Winning! That would be really cool.”

The trio has been making waves beyond the recording studio. HUNTR/X made their live television debut on The Tonight Show on October 7, 2025, and they are set to perform live at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball 2025 in Los Angeles on December 5, marking their first official concert performance.

The Global Phenomenon of KPop Demon Hunters

“KPop Demon Hunters” is more than just a film—it’s a cultural touchstone. Its blend of stunning animation, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable music has captivated audiences worldwide. The soundtrack, particularly “Golden,” has become a global anthem, resonating with fans across cultures and languages.

For fans of KPop, animated films, and award-winning music, this moment represents a thrilling intersection of creativity and recognition. With three Grammy nominations already under their belt, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami are not just performers—they’re trailblazers, bringing KPop music to a global stage through both Netflix and live performances.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is now available to stream on Netflix, and fans can watch HUNTR/X live at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball later this year. The 2026 Grammy Awards promise to be a historic night for the group and for KPop music in general.