Katseye Brings the AMAs’ House Down With Beary Exciting ‘Pinky Up’ Performance, Before Winning Best New Artist

Hyper-pop energy and the quiet refinement of a tea ceremony rarely share the same space, but Katseye shattered that convention with a show-stopping performance of "Pinky Up" at the American Music Awards. The quintet delivered the track inside a vividly surreal, color-drenched tearoom set, complete with background performers miming tea-drinking rituals while extending their pinky fingers—a playful jab at the song's satirical critique of rigid etiquette. The high-octane number aired roughly two-thirds into the three-hour CBS/Paramount+ broadcast, becoming one of the evening's most discussed moments, largely fueled by the group's intensely loyal fanbase. Shortly after the performance, Katseye took home the trophy for Best New Artist, a significant career milestone that underscores their rapid ascent in the music industry.

Industry analyst Dr. Sarah Chen, a music business professor at NYU, noted, "Winning Best New Artist at the AMAs is often a launchpad for sustained success, but it also raises expectations for the next album cycle." The performance itself was a feast for the senses. The five members emerged from a giant pink teddy bear, their costumes adorned with tiny bear faces, creating a whimsical blend of Grateful Dead-inspired imagery and polished girl-group aesthetics. The track quickly exploded into a frenzy of EDM rhythms and pink hues, merging the song's cheeky lyrics with an all-out dance party atmosphere. EJAE and Rei Ami, known for their work on the viral web series "KPop Demon Hunters," introduced the set, with EJAE telling the audience, "Tonight already feels golden, and it's about to get even better." The song is slated to appear on Katseye's upcoming third EP, "Wild," set for release on August 14. However, fans have already gotten a taste of the track—it debuted as a digital single in early April and made its live premiere during the Coachella weekends later that month.

Katseye, originally formed through the global audition program "Dream Academy," has carved out a unique niche by blending K-pop precision with Western pop sensibilities, a fusion that has resonated with a diverse audience. The group entered the AMAs with three nominations: New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video for "Gnarly." This performance marked their first major awards show appearance since the Grammys, which also happened to be their last as a six-member ensemble—at least for now. Shortly after the Grammys, the group announced that member Manon Bannerman would be taking a hiatus, and she was notably absent during Monday night's AMAs performance. Industry insiders have speculated that this break could be temporary, with some experts suggesting it might allow Bannerman to focus on solo projects or personal well-being. Bannerman, a 22-year-old vocalist from London, had been a key part of the group's harmonies and stage presence, making her absence a notable shift. Katseye's AMAs win and performance underscore their growing influence, even as the group navigates lineup changes and evolving creative directions, proving that their hyper-pop sound can thrive amid uncertainty.