Watch Katseye’s Lara Raj and Sophia Laforteza Thank Fans in Tamil and Filipino After First VMAs Win
The multi-national girl group just won their first-ever VMA for “Touch,” marking a milestone victory that cements them as a rising pop powerhouse
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Global girl group sensation, KATSEYE, starring members Lara Raj, Sophia Laforteza, Megan Skedaniel, Daniela Avaznini, Manon Bannerman and Yoonchae Jeung, are on a winning streak. Apart from making a highly fashionable debut at the VMAs red carpet, they also just bagged the MTV Push Performance Of The Year for their chart-topping single, “Touch.” The VMA-winning track, from their first EP, Soft Is Strong (SIS), quickly rose to mainstream success thanks to its catchy choreography and infectious pop energy. Other stars contending for the same award were Ayra Starr, Gigi Perez, Shaboozy, and Role Model, to name a few. The group was also nominated for “Best Group” alongside K-pop and global acts such as Aespa, Coldplay Blackpink, Seventeen, Twenty One Pilots, My Chemical Romance, Stray Kids, Evanescence, Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, Imagine Dragons, Jonas Brothers, and The Marías.
Fans cheered as the multinational group, whilst erupting in hugs, went on stage to collect their trophy. Taking home their first-ever Moon Person award, the members passionately thanked their fans from across the globe, known as EYEKONS, for their unwavering support. “We’ve been through a lot together, so having this moment feels so rewarding,” said Lara Raj, one of the vocalists. Raj and Laforteza also took to the global platform to say a short thank you in their native languages, Tamil and Filipino. Sisterhood is an integral part that remains tethered to the group ethos. In an interview with Rolling Stone US, Raj stated, “This isn’t something you could manufacture or develop. It’s a genuine friendship with a deep bond.” “We can’t fake this. We all have that shared goal of Katseye’s success, and we really nurtured friendship a lot,” added Laforteza.
In a series of firsts, the K-pop-inspired group also performed their iconic track “Gabriela,” from their second EP, “Beautiful Chaos”, onstage for the VMAs Pre-show. Brimming with charisma, energy, and all-around star power, the six members delivered an electrifying performance.
The girl group has been no stranger to making headlines in recent times. Be it making the world groove to “Milkshake” via their immaculately choreographed GAP “Better in Denim” campaign, or delivering a record-breaking set to 85,000 attendees at Lollapalooza Chicago 2025, the girls are steadily paving their way to stardom, one step at a time.
