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K-pop Grammy 2026 nominations include BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Katseye, and “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Experts predict strong chances for Rosé and Katseye.
A Historic Moment for K-pop
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, set for February 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, has officially recognized K-pop in unprecedented ways. For years, fans criticized the Grammys for overlooking the genre despite its global dominance. This year, however, the tide has turned.
Key Nominations
- BLACKPINK’s Rosé: Earned three nominations, including Song of the Year for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.”
- “K-Pop Demon Hunters” (Netflix animated film): Secured five nominations, including Best Compilation Soundtrack and Song of the Year for HUNTR/X’s “Golden.”
- Katseye: Though not strictly a K-pop act, the girl group received two nominations, further highlighting the genre’s crossover appeal.
Katseye’s Rising Influence
Katseye, formed through the HYBE x Geffen Records global audition project, is a six-member girl group blending Western pop with K-pop training systems. Their nomination at the Grammys is significant because it shows how K-pop’s production model is influencing global acts.
- The group’s debut single quickly charted internationally, proving their hybrid identity resonates with fans worldwide.
- Critics note that Katseye’s recognition at the Grammys demonstrates how K-pop’s reach extends beyond Korea, shaping the future of pop music globally.
Katseye’s success also raises questions about what defines “K-pop.” While not Korean by nationality, their training, style, and performance ethos are deeply rooted in the K-pop system, making them a symbol of the genre’s globalization.
Grammys and K-pop: A Complex Relationship
For years, K-pop fans have voiced frustration at the Grammys’ reluctance to honor the genre, despite its massive global impact. BTS, BLACKPINK, and other groups were often invited to perform but left out of major categories.
- The 2026 nominations mark a turning point, with K-pop artists finally competing in headline categories like Song of the Year.
- Industry experts suggest that the Grammys are now acknowledging K-pop’s undeniable influence on global music trends.
This shift also reflects the Grammys’ attempt to stay relevant in a rapidly changing music landscape. By recognizing Rosé, Katseye, and “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the Recording Academy signals that K-pop is no longer a niche genre—it’s a mainstream global force.
Expert Predictions: Likely Winners
Music analysts believe Rosé’s “APT” with Bruno Mars has a strong chance in Song of the Year, citing its global chart success and critical acclaim. Her nomination is seen as groundbreaking, and experts argue the Grammys may want to reward a collaboration that bridges East and West.
Meanwhile, Katseye is considered a dark horse in Best New Artist. Industry insiders highlight their unique hybrid identity and rapid rise in popularity. While competition is fierce, Katseye’s nomination itself is historic, and some predict the Grammys could use the award to signal openness to new global pop formats.
Conclusion: The Future of K-pop at the Grammys
The 2026 Grammy nominations prove that K-pop is no longer on the sidelines—it’s competing at the highest level of global music. With Rosé, Katseye, and “K-Pop Demon Hunters” leading the charge, fans and industry insiders alike see this as the beginning of a new era where K-pop artists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Western pop icons. (worldpopkorea@gmail.com)
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