Katseye teases new era, hopes to collaborate with Ariana Grande

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• How each member discovered the KATSEYE auditions (and the unlikely paths that led them there)
• From 120,000 applicants to the final lineup: what they learned in the process
  • Mental shifts and artistic freedom
• Group chemistry: the real secret to a successful girl group
• Family reaction: pride, memes, and a little stage-mother energy
• Which routines pushed them hardest: choreography and stamina tests
• Dream collaborators and musical wishlists
• The new EP: moodboard, aesthetic, and a move toward authenticity
• Fan-first reveals: secret tracks and what to expect
• Ambitions on the horizon: tours, festivals, and awards
• Beyond the stage: side careers and creative passions
• What fans should watch for next
• Notes on this conversation

KATSEYE surprised a small crowd in Sydney with an intimate, off-the-record Q&A that hinted at bold changes ahead. The five-member group — Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung — shared behind-the-scenes stories about how they were recruited, what training taught them, and the creative direction of their upcoming EP, all while teasing big ambitions on and off stage.

How each member discovered the KATSEYE auditions (and the unlikely paths that led them there)

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• Sophia traces her entry to becoming a superfan of global K-pop acts and spotting the audition announcement online — she clicked through, auditioned, and the rest is history.
• Megan says she was already training with another agency when someone who knew her introduced her to this project; she was scouted rather than actively applying.
• Daniela credits a spontaneous decision by her mom — who usually ignores audition emails — for finally opening one and encouraging her to try out.
• Lara received a direct message from Hybe and Geffen after posting a cover online; at first she thought it was a scam, but the offer was real.
• Yoonchae was filmed at her school singing academy by a teacher who circulated the clip to agencies, and that video caught Hybe and Geffen’s attention.

From 120,000 applicants to the final lineup: what they learned in the process

Selected from a pool of more than 120,000 hopefuls, the members say the audition and training period was as much mental as physical. They described the grind of evaluations, the pressure to be technically perfect, and the gradual shift toward trusting their instincts.

Mental shifts and artistic freedom

Several members talked about overcoming perfectionism. Letting go of overthinking allowed them to connect more authentically with their performances — a key pivot that helped them develop their stage identities.

Group chemistry: the real secret to a successful girl group

When asked what keeps a group together through long rehearsals and tours, the answer was unanimous: open communication and off-stage bonding. They stressed the importance of addressing small issues before they grow and making time to hang out outside rehearsals.

• Honesty in private conversations prevents grudges and keeps decisions transparent.
• Quality time outside work builds trust and resilience.

Family reaction: pride, memes, and a little stage-mother energy

Parents are clearly thrilled. Daniela laughs about her mother soaking up the spotlight, while others shared lighthearted anecdotes about moms trying to network them into meeting bigger stars. Overall, family support has been both grounding and energizing.

Which routines pushed them hardest: choreography and stamina tests

Not all dances were created equal. The group singled out a high-energy section nicknamed “Gnarly” — a demanding dance break near the end of the set that tests breath control and endurance after an already-intense performance. With time and repetition, though, they say their stamina has improved.

Dream collaborators and musical wishlists

Collaboration targets ranged from pop superstars to contemporary producers. A clear favorite emerged among multiple members.

• Ariana Grande topped the list — Sophia, Lara, and others repeatedly named her as an artist they’d love to work with.
• Members also hinted at interest in experimenting with different sonic textures and modern pop producers to expand their sound.

The new EP: moodboard, aesthetic, and a move toward authenticity

On the creative side, the group described their upcoming EP as a push toward rawer, more candid expression. They wanted to keep some of the polished, posh elements fans know from earlier releases but intentionally introduce a looser, more lived-in vibe.

The goal is to let personality and imperfections shine through — a deliberate choice to make the music feel closer to who they are now.

Fan-first reveals: secret tracks and what to expect

Asked if there’s a song they’re most excited to share, members smiled and held back details. One teased that the record contains something fans have been asking for, while another defended the group’s right to keep a few surprises for the release.

Ambitions on the horizon: tours, festivals, and awards

• World tours are at the top of their list, with an obvious soft spot for Australia.
• Major festival headlining — Coachella, Lollapalooza — and high-profile cultural events like the Met Gala made the short list.
• Long-term goals include larger projects such as full albums and major music awards.

Big-picture thinking is already part of their planning: building toward arena shows and international festival stages rather than incremental steps alone.

Beyond the stage: side careers and creative passions

Each member has ambitions outside of performing. Megan wants to design fashion and has already worked on tour merch; Daniela has acting experience from childhood commercials and hopes to return to screen work; Lara envisions a fashion and jewelry line with an activist component; Sophia dreams of musical theater and even a feature film concept inspired by classic pop-era group movies.

• Megan: fashion design and merch creation.
• Daniela: acting, modeling, and on-screen storytelling.
• Lara: jewelry design, fashion, and advocacy work.
• Sophia: musical theatre and a KATSEYE movie idea blending narrative and their real personalities.
• Yoonchae: pursuing acting alongside music.

What fans should watch for next

Between hints about the EP’s mood, the promise of surprise tracks, and talk of cross-medium projects, KATSEYE’s next era is shaping up to be broad and experimental. They’ve emphasized staying true to themselves while growing into larger cultural moments — and they’re inviting fans along for the ride.

Notes on this conversation

The group spoke candidly in a condensed Q&A format during the private Sydney event; comments have been edited for clarity.

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