It’s finally revealed! After years of debate about whether K-pop songs deserve Grammy recognition, the answer comes from an unexpected source. The song “Golden” from the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, 2026. However, behind the title lies an important, often-overlooked detail: the voices on this song belong to three female singers with diverse artistic backgrounds: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. So, what exactly does the Grammy recognize? And how do Demon Hunters sound like?
Who Are the Vocalists Behind “Golden”?
According to the official vocal credits of “Kpop Demon Hunters“, the song “Golden” is performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. All three contributed as lead vocalists to the song, which uniquely excludes any K-pop idol group members. They also selected singers with strong vocal backgrounds and vocal characteristics to support the visual narrative—while meeting the criteria for the Best Song Written for Visual Media category and assessing the song’s function in enhancing emotions in visualizations.
The Three Female Singers
EJAE
According to a report from Elle, EJAE was initially recruited as a songwriter for the film. But after the directors heard her vocal demo, this Korean-American songwriter and singer expanded to include Rumi’s voice, making her the emotional center of the entire soundtrack. It has shifted her from behind-the-scenes creator to lead performer, a rare transition in visual K-pop projects. Demon Hunters in K-pop proved her powerful vocals, leading to Grammy Award success.
“This success is not only a personal triumph, but also a major step for K-pop representation on the global stage.”
EJAE
Audrey Nuna
In an interview with TheWrap, Audrey Nuna explained how “K-Pop Demon Hunters” captured her heart from the very beginning. For her, the concept and message aligned with her life, leading her to join the project as Mira’s singing voice. In the context of “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” her genre-bending style creates unpredictability that enhances the character changes within the visual narrative. The involvement of the creators behind her music was crucial to this achievement. This participation then made Audrey Nuna view this win as the right moment.
“This is the right time. This win has also been long-awaited,” said Audrey Nuna, as reported by Good Morning America.
Rei Ami
Rei Ami is known for blending theatrical pop moments with R&B and rap. It makes her the perfect choice for Zoey’s dynamic vocals. Following the release of “KPop Demon Hunters,” Ami has spoken extensively about the song’s meticulous creation process, particularly on TikTok, where she shared how the three-part harmony was arranged.
When the GOLDEN Vocalists Lead the Story
The “Golden” Grammy win for Best Song Written for Visual Media marked a significant turning point in how the K-pop industry defines success. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami represented a shift toward vocalists as the primary carriers of a film’s emotions and narrative. What we hear in “KPop Demon Hunters” is a multi-layered, character-driven composition, led by female singers who use their voices as storytelling tools. Well, it opens up the possibility that K-pop could thrive in other dynamic media.
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