Katseye Opens SNL Season 52 with 'Animal' and 'Hootie Frutti' as Four-Member Group

Key points

• Katseye performed 'Animal' and 'Hootie Frutti' on the SNL Season 52 premiere episode.
• Only four members (Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung) performed due to the hiatus of Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza.
• The episode was hosted by basketball star Jalen Brunson and aired on September 26, 2026.
• The EP Wild, released in August, achieved the group's first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200.
• Katseye has earned Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Background

Katseye formed two years ago through the HYBE and Geffen Records competition series The Debut: Dream Academy. The group gained rapid traction in 2026, performing at Coachella and the American Music Awards before releasing their EP Wild in August. Prior to the SNL appearance, the group performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in August, where they addressed the absence of two members. The current lineup has continued touring with the Wildworld Tour, which began in Europe and will conclude in Mexico City in late November.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone and NBC emphasize the group's rapid ascent and the significance of their SNL debut, noting that only four members performed due to the ongoing hiatus of Bannerman and Laforteza. Rolling Stone includes commentary from Kelly Rowland, who advised the group to prioritize mental health and resilience given the pressure of their fast-paced rise. JubileeCast highlights the commercial success of the EP Wild, noting it moved 170,000 units in its first week, the highest for an all-female group in years, and mentions the group's Grammy nominations. Music Industry Weekly focuses on the business momentum, citing rising streaming and chart presence as drivers for their high-profile television appearance. All sources agree on the core facts of the performance and the current four-member lineup, but differ in emphasis: Rolling Stone focuses on the human element and advice from industry veterans, while JubileeCast and Music Industry Weekly focus on commercial metrics and industry standing.

Why it matters

The SNL debut underscores Katseye's status as one of pop's fastest-rising acts, having achieved major milestones in a single year. The performance highlights the group's ability to maintain momentum despite the absence of two members, demonstrating resilience in the face of mental health challenges. The success of the EP Wild, including its No. 1 album debut and Grammy nominations, indicates strong commercial and critical reception, positioning Katseye as a significant force in the current pop landscape.

What to watch

Katseye will continue their Wildworld Tour, with upcoming shows on the East Coast in Miami, followed by a run through Canada and the West Coast, concluding in Mexico City in late November. The group is also preparing for the 68th Grammy Awards, where they are nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The return of Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza from hiatus remains to be seen, but the current four-member lineup will continue to represent the group in live performances and promotions.