Rising girl group KATSEYE is making headlines as they celebrate their first Grammy nominations. The six-member group, known for their unique blend of pop, chiptune, and Y2K-inspired visuals, shared exclusive reactions with PEOPLE about their nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

KATSEYE’s Reaction to Grammy Nominations

When news of their Grammy nominations broke, KATSEYE admitted that they were completely unprepared for the recognition.

“It’s literally just the biggest, biggest honor. I don’t think any of us were expecting it,” said Lara Raj, 20, over the phone from Mexico City during the group’s Beautiful Chaos Tour.

Bandmate Sophia Laforteza, 22, added that the idea of being nominated hadn’t even crossed their minds:

“We were all in disbelief. A few months ago, someone mentioned the possibility of a Grammy nomination, and we literally laughed. When it actually happened, we died. Watching the livestream, we were just not expecting it at all.”

The group’s emotional response highlights how monumental this moment is for them. Their first Grammy nominations validate the hard work they’ve put into music, performances, and their rapidly growing fanbase, known as EYEKONS.

KATSEYE’s Journey to Grammy Recognition

Since forming on HYBE and Geffen Records’ Dream Academy, and later featured on the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, the six-member ensemble—Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung—has become a global sensation.

In just two years since their debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong), KATSEYE has built a loyal following with hits like “Gabriela” and “Gameboy”, sold-out tours, and viral campaigns, including a Gap ad that captured the internet’s attention.

Their path to the Grammys demonstrates how quickly their influence in pop music has grown, blending K-pop style training with Western music sensibilities to create a polished, high-energy performance aesthetic.

Celebrating Success and Grammy Goals

When asked how they plan to celebrate if they win, Raj said:

“First, we’re going to call our parents and siblings because most of us are away from our families. After that, we’ll probably have a party together—the six of us—because it’s a huge moment for KATSEYE.”

The girls also shared that Kehlani has given them invaluable advice on staying grounded and present amidst the pressures of fame. Raj emphasized the importance of enjoying real-life experiences, like performing and connecting with fans, rather than focusing solely on online attention.

Celebrity Fans and Memorable Concert Moments

KATSEYE revealed some of the most surprising celebrity fans they’ve encountered. Laforteza described seeing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his children at a show, as well as North West, highlighting the surreal experience of having high-profile fans attend their concerts.

Challenges and Training Behind the Scenes

Group member Yoonchae Jeung reflected on the challenges of blending diverse backgrounds, explaining that initial culture shocks have turned into fun and enriching experiences. Laforteza added that their K-pop style training prepared them for the demanding lifestyle of touring, performing, and navigating the global music industry, teaching them discipline, teamwork, and patience.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Dreams

KATSEYE hinted that new music is on the horizon, teasing a possible full-length album in 2026. They also expressed ambitious goals: headlining major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, embarking on a world tour, and using their platform to advocate for causes beyond music.

“We plan to use our platform in the best way that we can,” said Laforteza. “We want to grow KATSEYE into something bigger, perform in larger arenas, and inspire fans worldwide.”

With their Grammy nominations and skyrocketing popularity, KATSEYE is poised to become one of the most influential girl groups of their generation. Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how the group continues to redefine pop music in 2026 and beyond.