In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, KPop Demon Hunters’ ‘Golden’ Trio, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, shared their elation and excitement over receiving three Grammy nominations. The talented artists, who are responsible for bringing the viral hit song “Golden” to life in the popular Netflix animated film, expressed their joy at the recognition from the Recording Academy.
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The news of the Grammy nominations came as a delightful surprise to the trio, who were together on a Zoom call when they received the exciting announcement. Audrey Nuna described their reaction, stating, “We all screamed,” while EJAE mentioned getting chills and Rei Ami humorously confessed to blacking out in the moment of excitement.
The nominations for the song “Golden” included Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media, as well as a nomination for the entire soundtrack of KPop Demon Hunters in the category of Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media. EJAE, a co-writer of “Golden” alongside Mark Sonnenblick, highlighted the significance of the nominations in terms of representation and pride in their Korean heritage.
Audrey Nuna also reflected on the profound meaning of the Grammy nominations, expressing the honour it brings not only to their music but also to their personal backgrounds, cultural context, and family histories. She described the experience of standing alongside EJAE and Rei Ami as a beautiful camaraderie and a recognition of their shared journey and struggles.
Looking ahead to the Grammy ceremony on February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Rei Ami expressed excitement at the prospect of winning. The trio is set to make their live performance debut at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball 2025 concert in Los Angeles on December 5, following their success with KPop Demon Hunters.
KPop Demon Hunters, the animated film featuring the music of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, quickly became a sensation on Netflix after its release in June 2025. Garnering over 236 million views and achieving the status of the platform’s most-watched animated movie, the film’s soundtrack also made waves by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtracks chart.
The success of KPop Demon Hunters and the recognition at the Grammys serve as a testament to the talent and creativity of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. Their story highlights the power of music to transcend boundaries, celebrate diversity, and bring people together through shared experiences and emotions.
As the trio prepares for the prestigious Grammy ceremony, fans and music enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their live performances and future projects. The journey of the ‘Golden’ Trio from KPop Demon Hunters is not just a celebration of musical achievements but also a symbol of pride, unity, and creative collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.