Katseye Shines at Lollapalooza 2025: K-Pop’s New Global Powerhouse Debuts “Gabriela” and “M.I.A.”

Katseye, the multinational girl group born from a groundbreaking partnership between HYBE Entertainment and Geffen Records, electrified Lollapalooza 2025 with their genre-defying performance that marked a significant milestone in K-pop’s global journey. Their high-energy set, cultural fusion, and two track debuts—“Gabriela” and “M.I.A.”—cemented their rising star status at Chicago’s Grant Park.

Emerging from the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, the group’s Lollapalooza debut was far from just another performance—it was a cultural celebration. “This is more than music. It’s a piece of my culture and heart,” shared Cuban-Venezuelan member Daniela on stage, capturing the spirit of the performance that blended Latin influences, powerful vocals, and synchronized choreography into an unforgettable festival moment.

Why Katseye’s Lollapalooza 2025 Set Is a Turning Point for Global K-Pop

Performing on the T-Mobile Stage on Sunday, August 3, Katseye delivered a show that fused K-pop intensity with global musical flavors, signaling a new direction for the genre. The debut of “Gabriela” was particularly striking, inspired by Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” but transformed into a Latin ballad with Spanish lyrics and a flamenco dance break—an unexpected twist that brought the crowd to its feet.

Their follow-up premiere, “M.I.A.,” ramped up the energy with a darker electro-pop vibe, showcasing Katseye’s versatility and sonic ambition. Alongside these new tracks, the group delivered fan favorites “Touch,” “Debut,” and “Gnarly,” proving their discography already resonates deeply with audiences despite being barely a year old.

The members—Daniela (Cuba/Venezuela), Lara (India/New York), Manon (Ghana/Italy/Switzerland), Megan (Chinese-American from Hawaii), Sophia (Philippines), and Yoonchae (South Korea)—brought diverse cultural roots to the performance, making it one of the most globally representative Lollapalooza sets to date.

How Katseye Is Redefining the K-Pop Genre on a Global Stage

What sets Katseye apart from traditional K-pop acts is their cross-cultural branding, polished yet approachable performances, and seamless genre blending. At Lollapalooza, their choreography hit K-pop levels of precision, but their musical influences stretched from EDM to Latin pop to hip-hop, echoing the diverse backgrounds of the group’s members.

The success of their Netflix-backed formation process also speaks to evolving industry strategies. Rather than targeting a specific region, Katseye is designed to be international from inception—visually, sonically, and linguistically. Their multilingual approach (with English and Spanish lyrics prominently featured), and their commitment to cultural authenticity, was evident in every detail of their Lolla debut.

Crowds at Grant Park, many of whom stayed from the preceding BoyNextDoor set, responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. “Eyekons,” Katseye’s devoted fanbase, were out in full force, some donning lightsticks and handmade signs for each member. The group’s rapid rise—bolstered by viral hits and their fall 2025 Beautiful Chaos tour—makes them one of the most promising acts to watch in global pop.

A Cultural Moment at Lollapalooza 2025

Katseye’s performance wasn’t just a musical success—it was a cultural statement. Their debut of “Gabriela,” complete with a dramatic telenovela-themed video teaser, blended narrative and performance in ways rarely seen on Western festival stages. Their presence at Lollapalooza signals not just the globalization of K-pop, but a redefinition of pop itself.

As the group continues to gain international momentum, their ability to authentically reflect their members’ cultural identities will likely be their biggest asset. If Lollapalooza was any indication, the future of global pop may very well be multilingual, multicultural—and Katseye-shaped.

Katseye lollapalooza has now become one of the most talked-about phrases in both K-pop and festival circuits, as the group carves out a new legacy at the intersection of art, identity, and global sound.

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With their stunning debut at Lollapalooza 2025, Katseye is no longer just a rising group—they’re leading the next generation of global pop. Stay tuned, because this is only the beginning for Katseye at the center of the world stage.

You Must Know:

What songs did Katseye debut at Lollapalooza 2025?
Katseye debuted two new songs at Lollapalooza: “Gabriela,” a Latin-infused pop track with Spanish lyrics and a flamenco dance break, and “M.I.A.,” a darker, electro-pop anthem.

Who are the members of Katseye?
The group includes Daniela (Cuban-Venezuelan), Lara (Indian-American), Manon (Ghanaian-Italian-Swiss), Megan (Chinese-American from Hawaii), Sophia (Filipina), and Yoonchae (South Korean), making it a truly global K-pop act.

Is Katseye part of HYBE Entertainment?
Yes, Katseye is a joint project by HYBE Entertainment and Geffen Records, formed through the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.

What is the Katseye fandom called?
Katseye fans are called “Eyekons.” The fandom has rapidly grown following the group’s viral hits and Netflix series debut.

When is Katseye touring next?
Katseye’s Beautiful Chaos tour is scheduled for fall 2025. Although Chicago is not on the current schedule, sold-out shows across other cities suggest a major demand for more stops.

How did Katseye stand out at Lollapalooza 2025?
Their fusion of cultural influences, vibrant stage presence, and debut of genre-blending tracks like “Gabriela” helped them stand out in a star-studded festival lineup.