‘Golden’ from ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Lands Four Grammy Nods

The hit track “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters has earned four Grammy nominations, including a spot in the prestigious song of the year category. The song is performed by Huntr/x, made up of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, and was written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, DO, 24, and Teddy.

In addition to song of the year, “Golden” is nominated for best pop duo/group performance, best song written for visual media, and best remixed recording for the David Guetta remix. The full K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack is also up for best compilation soundtrack for visual media. Variety spoke with EJAE, Nuna, and Ami shortly after the nominations were announced.

“I’m not able to digest this time. I’m still in shock,” EJAE said, clearly emotional. Ami admitted she had been crying, adding, “It feels out of this world.” Nuna emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “You’re going to see three Korean faces. To think about the kids who are going to see that, and hopefully for that to shape their understanding of what they can do in this world, is the stuff that is giving me chills up my spine.”

EJAE also made history as the first Korean-American female songwriter nominated for song of the year but admitted to feeling some imposter syndrome. Ami added, “As Korean women, we were often told we have to work twice as hard, we have to show up earlier, we have to show out more than our average counterparts in order for us to receive the same accolade or even recognition.”

The song faces stiff competition in its categories. For song of the year, “Golden” goes up against tracks by Lady Gaga, Doechii, Rosé with Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar with SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish.

In best pop duo/group performance, it competes with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Katseye, Rosé with Bruno Mars, and SZA with Kendrick Lamar. The best song written for visual media category includes music from Nine Inch Nails, Miles Caton, Elton John with Brandi Carlile, Jayme Lawson, and Leonard Denisenko with collaborators.

Despite the excitement, “Golden” did not receive a nomination for record of the year, a category many had expected it to secure. A nod there would have marked Huntr/x as the first K-pop group recognized in that field.

Huntr/x said they are excited to see all their fellow nominees at the ceremony next year. Ami added, “And Sabrina Carpenter. I love Sabrina Carpenter.”

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