"They deserve this sm": Fans defend KATSEYE's double Grammy nod amid debate over HYBE's influence

On November 7, the Recording Academy unveiled the full list of nominees for the upcoming Grammy Awards. Among the names announced, KATSEYE emerged as one of the standout inclusions.

The global girl group earned nominations in two major categories including Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their track Gabriela. With this the girl group now becomes the first HYBE girl group and the second HYBE act overall after BTS, to receive a direct Grammy nomination.

The announcement quickly sparked widespread discussion online. While many fans celebrated the group’s recognition, calling the nominations a “well-earned milestone,” others questioned whether HYBE’s growing presence in the U.S. industry may have played a role. Some social media users claimed that the company’s connections, including those of HYBE America executive Scooter Braun, could have influenced the outcome.

Supporters, however, were quick to counter these claims, highlighting KATSEYE’s rapid rise since debuting earlier this year. They pointed to the group’s strong international fanbase, streaming success, and consistent chart performance as indicators of their merit. One fan commented,

"They deserve this sm😭😭 they amount of noise they’ve made this past year is insane"

Fans pushed back against the criticism, emphasizing the group’s achievements and global success. Many took to online platforms to defend the six-member group, highlighting their strong performances, chart-topping tracks, and growing cultural impact.

As discussions over KATSEYE’s Grammy nominations continued, fans became increasingly vocal in defending the group against claims of favoritism toward HYBE. Online debates centered on accusations that the company’s influence contributed to the group’s success, with detractors using terms like “HYBE payola.” In response, many fans pushed back, arguing that the criticism unfairly undermines the group’s achievements and hard work throughout the year.

---

KATSEYE earns double Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

KATSEYE officially debuted in June 2024 with the single Debut followed by their breakthrough track Touch, released in July, 2024. The song, reached number 22 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and entered the Billboard Philippines Hot 100. It also won the Push Performance of the Year in 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.

The track gained further traction when its choreography went viral on TikTok in September 2024. Later that year, KATSEYE released their first extended play (EP) SIS (Soft Is Strong).

In April 2025, the group returned with Gnarly, the lead single from their second EP Beautiful Chaos (2025). The single marked a major milestone, giving the girl group their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

When Beautiful Chaos was released on June 27, 2025, it debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200. It became their highest-charting project to date. The EP’s second single, Gabriela, also found success, peaking within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.

In August 2025, the group fronted Gap’s Fall 2025 denim campaign, dancing to a re-recorded version of Kelis’ Milkshake with choreography by Robbie Blue. The campaign amassed over 400 million views and 8 billion impressions across social media platforms within two weeks. Gap CEO Richard Dickson described it as a “cultural takeover,” noting its strong message of unity and cultural celebration.

The double Grammy nominations capped off a strong year for the group, whose formation and rise were also documented in the Netflix series Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. Following the announcement, the global girl group expressed their excitement through Instagram Stories, while sharing a video of 2025 Best New Artist Grammy winner Chappell Roan introducing the category and nominees. They wrote,

“So honored to be nominated and in this company!! thanks @recordingacademy and EYEKONS,”

The group’s comments (Image via Instagram/@katseyeworld)

KATSEYE’s fellow nominees in the Best New Artist category include Olivia Dean, The Marias, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young.

---

KATSEYE consists of 6 members, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung. With members hailing from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States, the group has often been described as a “global girl group.”

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty