Rosé, KATSEYE, and ‘Golden’ Miss Out on Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at 68th Grammy Awards

K-pop artists including Rosé, KATSEYE, and the K-pop Demon Hunters original soundtrack ‘Golden’ did not take home the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, despite being considered strong contenders ahead of the ceremony.

Strong Competition in the Category

This year’s Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category featured a diverse and high-profile lineup. Nominees included ‘Golden,’ recorded for Netflix’s animated musical series K-pop Demon Hunters, KATSEYE’s ‘Gabriela,’ Rosé and Bruno Mars’ global hit ‘APT.’, and ‘30 For 30,’ a collaboration between SZA and Kendrick Lamar.

Among industry watchers and fans alike, ‘APT.’ and ‘Golden’ were frequently mentioned as potential winners. ‘APT.’ enjoyed major international chart success, while ‘Golden’ drew attention for its cinematic sound and crossover appeal, connecting K-pop artistry with global streaming audiences through a Netflix project.

Despite the strong buzz surrounding these releases, the award ultimately went to ‘Defying Gravity,’ reflecting the Grammy voters’ recognition of the Wicked soundtrack’s impact across film and music.

Among K-pop fans, both ‘APT.’ and ‘Golden’ had been widely viewed as potential winners, reflecting their global popularity and crossover impact. However, the award ultimately went to the Wicked soundtrack entry.

Rosé and KATSEYE Continue Grammy Runs

While the result marked a setback in this category, Rosé remains in contention in the Grammy General Field. ‘APT.’ is nominated for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, while ‘Golden’ has also earned a nomination for Song of the Year. KATSEYE is likewise continuing its Grammy campaign, having been nominated for Best New Artist, one of the most closely watched categories in the General Field.

As the main Grammy ceremony continues, industry observers are closely watching whether K-pop acts can secure major wins, underscoring their growing presence on the global music stage.