K-pop sensation KATSEYE made a significant impact at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Monday, May 25, delivering a vibrant performance and securing a prestigious award, marking a new milestone for girl groups. The group, comprising members Daniela, Lara, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae, captivated the audience in Las Vegas with their performance of “Pinky Up,” a high-energy track that debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April.

Their performance was a visual spectacle, described as an “explosion of colors and choreography.” The members adorned outfits made of miniature plushies, while a large, teddy-bear-esque figure stood as a backdrop. On stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, KATSEYE performed dynamic twists, turns, and twerking, singing lyrics like “We’re screaming from cloud nine/ No one can touch us if they tried/ Ooh, but it’s a state of mind.” Notably absent from the performance and ceremony was member Manon Bannerman, who went on hiatus in February to prioritize her health and well-being.

Beyond their captivating live show, KATSEYE achieved a historic win at the AMAs, taking home the award for new artist of the year. This victory placed them ahead of a strong field of nominees including Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Alex Warren, Ella Langley, and sombr. In their acceptance speech, group member Sophia Laforteza specifically acknowledged BTS for inspiring them to represent their culture on a global scale. Each of the five members delivered a brief speech, with Lara Raj emphasizing the group’s mission to celebrate diversity and represent their people and cultures. This achievement makes KATSEYE the first girl group to win new artist of the year at the AMAs since the category’s inception in 2004. The group also received nominations for best music video for their single “Gnarly” and for breakthrough pop artist.

“Pinky Up” is a preview of KATSEYE’s upcoming “Wild” EP, which is slated for an August 14 release and will feature five tracks. To support their new project, KATSEYE is embarking on “The Wildworld Tour,” a global trek kicking off on September 1 at Dublin’s 3Arena. The 31-date tour will span arenas across Europe and North America, concluding on November 28 with the second of two shows at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes. Before their tour, fans can catch the group at other major events, including Governors Ball in New York City on June 5, Hinterland Music Festival in Saint Charles, Iowa, on July 30, and Head in the Clouds in Pasadena, California, on August 8.

The American Music Awards ceremony featured numerous other performances, with BTS opening the show with “Hooligan.” BTS also appeared midway through the event to present SZA with the best female R&B artist award and accept the song of the summer honor for “SWIM,” ultimately winning artist of the year. Other performers at the AMAs included sombr, Karol G, Keith Urban, and New Kids on the Block. The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.