K-pop Powerhouses Sweep 2026 Grammy Nominations: Rosé x Bruno Mars, KATSEYE, KPop Demon Hunters, and Maybe Happy Ending
K-culture’s global momentum just landed a major milestone at the 2026 Grammy Awards. From blockbuster collaborations to boundary-pushing soundtracks and a history-making Korean musical, Korean artists and creators earned spotlight nominations across the Recording Academy’s most competitive categories.
Leading the buzz is the high-impact collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars on “APT.,” which broke into the Grammys’ prestigious General Field with nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The track also scored a nod for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, underscoring how K-pop’s crossover storytelling continues to resonate on a massive scale.
Another headline-maker is HUNTR/X’s “Golden” from the animated project KPop Demon Hunters. The song is up for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, while the full KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack earned a nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. “Golden” also landed in Best Song Written for Visual Media, signaling serious recognition from voters across both pop and screen-music branches.
Rising global girl group KATSEYE secured a coveted Best New Artist nomination—a clear vote of confidence in their rapid ascent. The group’s track “Gabriela” also appears in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance lineup, stacking yet another K-pop moment in a category traditionally dominated by Western acts.
Beyond pop, Korean creators are also shaping Broadway’s soundscape. The original cast recording for Maybe Happy Ending—a Korean musical that made its Broadway debut in 2024 and was co-produced by Hue Park—earned a nomination for Best Musical Theater Album, following the production’s stunning six-win run at this year’s Tony Awards. It’s a meaningful bridge between Seoul’s musical storytelling and New York theater culture, and a sign of how Korean narratives are expanding far beyond the idol ecosystem.
At a glance: Key nominations
- Rosé & Bruno Mars — “APT.”: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
- HUNTR/X — “Golden” (KPop Demon Hunters): Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media
- KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack: Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
- KATSEYE: Best New Artist; “Gabriela” — Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
- Maybe Happy Ending (Original Broadway Cast Recording): Best Musical Theater Album
From stadium anthems to cinematic soundtracks and Broadway ballads, this year’s nominations reflect the depth and diversity of Korean-led music and its collaborators. It’s not just K-pop conquering charts—it’s Korean creators commanding the cultural main stage.
The 2026 Grammys will take place on February 1 in Los Angeles. Which category are you rooting for, and who do you think will take home the gold?