Katseye was one of the winners at the 52nd edition of the American Music Awards (AMAs). Based in Los Angeles, California, United States, the girl group has six members namely Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung.
Coming into the 2026 AMAs with three total nominations—including nods for Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for “Gnarly”—Katseye solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with.
Katseye at 2026 AMAs
Hosted by Queen Latifah, the 2026 AMAs was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada, USA on May 25, 2026. The ceremony was streamed on Paramount+ and broadcast on CBS.
The New Artist of the Year award was won by Katseye. Also nominated for the same category were Alex Warren, Ella Langley, Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean and Sombr.
Delivering a vibrant, hyper-pop-infused live performance of “Pinky Up” during the ceremony, Katseye transformed a hyper-saturated, pastel-colored set into a chaotic dance floor, marking a standout moment on the CBS and Paramount+ broadcast. This electrifying spectacle served as a prelude to their significant victory later that evening, where they took home the award for Best New Artist.
Given the intense loyalty and anticipation surrounding Katseye’s dedicated fanbase, their performance—positioned roughly two-thirds through the three-hour ceremony—featured arguably the most intricate and visually arresting production of the night. The stage design leaned heavily into a playful subversion of high-society tea etiquette.
Before the members appeared, extras performed a stylized pantomime of drinking tea and enjoying pastries, with their pinky fingers famously extended to satirize classic stereotypes. However, the scene quickly shifted from refined to radical. The atmosphere erupted into a frenzy of EDM beats and a kaleidoscope of pink tones, signaled when the five members emerged from the belly of a massive, vibrant pink teddy bear. The aesthetic was further elevated by their costumes, which were heavily adorned with tiny bear faces, creating an edgy, surreal fusion of girl-group fashion and unconventional iconography.
Following the spectacle, the group addressed the audience to accept their Best New Artist trophy. Lara Raj delivered the core of their speech in English, yet she intentionally wove in phrases from the members’ diverse linguistic backgrounds. Raj emphasized that their collective mission has always been to champion diversity and serve as a beacon for their respective cultures, expressing deep gratitude for the global platform the awards provided.
The performance was preceded by a glowing introduction from EJAE and Rei Ami, the duo known for “KPop Demon Hunters.” Their endorsement underscored an established bond between the two acts, reminiscent of their collaborative performance of “Golden” at Coachella in April 2026 —a moment Rei Ami had hailed as a pinnacle of girl power.
“Pinky Up” is featured on Katseye’s third extended play “Wild”, which is set for release on August 14, 2026. The song has already become a staple for fans, following its digital single debut in early April 2026 and successful live runs at Coachella.
CONAN Daily 