EJAE goes beyond imagination on Grammy nomination for ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ soundtrack
Korean American singer-songwriter EJAE expressed overwhelming joy after her song “Golden” and the original soundtrack from the Netflix hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” together secured five nominations at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
On Friday (local time), the Recording Academy that hosts the 68th Grammy Awards announced “Golden” earned nominations in four categories, including Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media and Best Remixed Recording. The film’s soundtrack also earned a nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
EJAE, who contributed to vocals, lyrics and composition for “Golden,” expressed her joy, saying the Grammy nominations were something beyond her dream.
“I don’t even have the adjectives to describe how I’m feeling. This is beyond anything I ever imagined, being nominated for a Grammy,” she wrote on Instagram on Saturday.
The artist also delivered her gratitude to fans of “KPop Demon Hunters” and fellow Korean American musicians Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, who also sang on the track alongside her.
“To say this was my dream is an understatement. This wouldn’t be possible without the fans of the movie who have shown us so much support,” EJAE said.
EJAE’s background makes this success deeply meaningful. After spending 12 years as a trainee at SM Entertainment and not achieving her dream of becoming a K-pop idol, the artist successfully changed her path. She transitioned into a producer and composer, creating music for popular K-pop groups such as Red Velvet and aespa.
During her appearance on the Korean talk show “You Quiz on the Block,” she said her past struggles made her current global success a powerful story of never giving up and achieving victory.
Along with “Golden,” a range of Korean-affiliated works received Grammy nods this year, elevating Korean talent’s influence worldwide.
“APT.,” a collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rose and American pop star Bruno Mars, was also nominated for three major awards — Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
KATSEYE, a girl group jointly produced between HYBE and American label Geffen Records, achieved a major milestone by earning two nominations including Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their hit song “Gabriela.”
KATSEYE is the first group created using the K-pop format to be nominated in the Best New Artist category. In the Pop Duo/Group category, they are competing with “Golden,” “APT.,” SZA & Kendrick Lamar’s “30 for 30” and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “Defying Gravity.”
“Maybe Happy Ending,” a Korean original musical, was nominated in the Best Musical Theater Album category for its Broadway cast recording, showcasing the increasing appeal of Korean theatrical works globally.
At the Tony Awards in June, the musical won six awards, including Best Musical, becoming the first original musical created and premiered in Korea to be recognized at the prestigious awards.
