KATSEYE kicked off Saturday Night Live's 52nd season as the show's first musical guest, performing two songs from their new EP Wild during the September 26 premiere hosted by Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
The group performed "Animal" - the EP's lead single, co-written by Ed Sheeran - and "Hootie Frutti" in their long-anticipated SNL debut. Only four of KATSEYE's six members took the stage: Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung. Members Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza have been on hiatus, both citing mental health as their reason for stepping back.
Wild, released in August, gave the group its first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, moving 170,000 units in its first week - the biggest sales week for an all-female group in years. The EP also includes "Pinky Up," "Bel Air," and "That Way," and "Animal" has already earned KATSEYE Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the upcoming 68th ceremony.
Formed just two years ago through the HYBE-and-Geffen-Records competition series The Debut: Dream Academy, KATSEYE has gone from a six-member reality-show lineup to one of pop's fastest-rising acts, playing Coachella, the AMAs, and now SNL in the span of a single year.
As the group's Wild era rolls on with four members currently carrying the torch, it's worth remembering the two who stepped back are doing so to protect their wellbeing - a decision worth a quiet prayer for their peace and full return, whenever that may be.
