Katseye Set for Las Vegas Performance at American Music Awards

April 18, 2026 · Haley Fenwood

Katseye will perform at the 52nd American Music Awards on 25 May at the MGM Grand Garden Area in Las Vegas, representing a significant moment for the emerging girl group. The performance comes as the group has received three nominations at this year’s event, such as New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for their track “Gnarly,” and Breakthrough Pop Artist. The awards show will be broadcast live from 8 p.m. Eastern Time on both Paramount+ and CBS, giving Katseye a prominent stage to showcase their talents on one of the music industry’s biggest stages. The Las Vegas performance comes after the group’s successful Coachella debut earlier this month, where they performed an dynamic five-piece performance.

Las Vegas Exhibition and Award Acknowledgement

The Las Vegas appearance represents a pivotal moment in Katseye’s swiftly rising career trajectory. By landing a spot at the AMAs, one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious ceremonies, the group has demonstrated their growing prominence within the worldwide music scene. The 52nd edition of the awards will showcase acts from leading artists in the field, making Katseye’s inclusion a reflection of their significant breakthrough and the momentum they have built since their creation under their respective labels.

The three recognitions the group has received underscore their diverse appeal to critics and audiences in equal measure. Recognition in the New Artist of the Year category recognises their innovative approach to pop music, whilst their nod in Outstanding Music Video for “Gnarly” showcases the creative vision driving their sonic output. The Breakthrough Pop Artist recognition reinforces their status as one of the year’s most compelling new acts, positioning them alongside major industry figures at a ceremony that will be watched by millions globally.

  • New Artist of the Year nomination acknowledgement
  • Best Music Video honour for “Gnarly” song
  • Emerging Pop Artist category recognition
  • Primetime appearance on CBS and Paramount+

Coachella Victory and Latest Advances

Katseye’s Las Vegas show comes on the heels of a triumphant Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival appearance in recent weeks, where the group performed a captivating five-piece set that highlighted their range and command of the stage. The performance included an extensive collection of their body of work, featuring fan favourites such as “Mean Girls,” “Touch,” “Game Boy,” and “Internet Girl,” alongside the high-energy songs “My Way” and “M.I.A.” The set culminated with their award-nominated single “Gnarly,” showcasing the breadth of their artistic reach. The Coachella performance additionally featured a live premiere of their new single “Pinky Up,” giving festival attendees an early opportunity to hear to fresh material that underscores the group’s ongoing artistic development.

The Californian desert festival appearance represented a notable achievement for the rising ensemble, giving them with a prominent stage to reach numerous music enthusiasts and industry professionals. Their inclusion on the Coachella lineup validated their position as one of the year’s most exciting breakthrough acts, establishing them among the festival’s varied lineup of established and emerging performers. The show generated substantial excitement within the music community, setting the groundwork for their subsequent American Music Awards appearance. This path from festival success to major award show appearance showcases Katseye’s rapid ascent within the competitive global music industry.

Manon Bannerman’s Break from Work

The Coachella show notably took place without member Manon Bannerman, who revealed a hiatus from the group in February through a combined announcement from Hybe and Geffen Records. The decision represented a notable change for the group, necessitating them to adjust their show setup for major appearances. Prior to the Coachella event, Bannerman discussed the situation via a WeVerse message, reassuring fans about her wellbeing. “HxG and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported,” she wrote, emphasising that she remained “in good spirits and well” throughout this time away from the group’s activities.

Hybe officially confirmed to the Korea Herald on 9 April that Bannerman would not take part in the Coachella performance, offering clarification regarding her absence from the festival set. The hiatus has been handled with professionalism by both the artist and the management, with Bannerman maintaining communication with fans throughout the process. Her statement expressed positive sentiment towards what lies ahead, suggesting that discussions between her and the group’s representatives continue constructively. The band’s capacity to deliver a strong performance as a five-member unit showcases their resilience and dedication to their artistic obligations during this transitional period.

Competitive Standing and Sector Acknowledgement

Artist Nominations
Taylor Swift 8
Sabrina Carpenter 7
Morgan Wallen 7
Olivia Dean 7
Sombr 7
Katseye 3

Katseye’s three nominations at the 52nd American Music Awards place them within a competitive field of musicians competing for recognition at one of the music industry’s most prestigious ceremonies. Their nominations span Emerging Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for “Gnarly,” and Rising Pop Artist, acknowledging their rapid emergence as significant contributors to contemporary pop music. Taylor Swift leads the nomination count with eight nods, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, whilst Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, and Sombr each secured seven nominations. As newcomers to the awards circuit, Katseye’s multiple nominations reflect the sector’s acknowledgement of their artistic merit and commercial appeal, marking them as contenders in categories that honour emerging talent and innovation.

Katseye’s Emergence within the Music Industry

Katseye’s trajectory through the music industry has been remarkably swift, cementing their status as one of the year’s most captivating new acts. Their latest Coachella set demonstrated the group’s ability to command a festival stage with confidence and polish, delivering a setlist that featured both established fan favourites and fresh material. The quintet proved their versatility by effortlessly moving between vibrant pop numbers and deeper introspective pieces, captivating audiences with their energetic presence and sophisticated harmonies. Their performance of new single “Pinky Up” marked a significant moment for the group, marking their further growth as artists.

The group’s forthcoming Las Vegas appearance at the American Music Awards marks another significant achievement in their burgeoning career. With three nominations at the 52nd ceremony, Katseye has already secured acknowledgement from the music industry’s establishment, validating their creative vision and market viability. Their recognition for Breakthrough Pop Artist particularly underscores their status as a rising force in modern pop, whilst recognition for their visually arresting “Gnarly” music video showcases the broad scope of their creative output. As they get ready to take the stage on one of music’s biggest stages on 25 May, Katseye continues building momentum towards establishing themselves as a defining act of their generation.

  • Coachella opening performance featured live premiere of “Pinky Up” with guest appearance from Huntr/x
  • Performed as five-piece after Manon Bannerman’s break from group activities
  • Setlist comprised “Mean Girls,” “Touch,” “Game Boy,” and closing track “Gnarly”
  • Three AMAs nominations recognise their rising prominence and artistic accomplishments
  • Las Vegas show set for 25 May at MGM Grand Garden Area