It is difficult to find an act that enjoyed a more meteoric rise this year than the stars of KPop Demon Hunters. In a recent sit-down with Billboard, just ahead of their highly anticipated appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, HUNTR/X members REI AMI, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna reflected on the whirlwind milestones of the past twelve months.
In a video released this Tuesday (Dec. 30)—only one day before the trio helps ring in 2026 from New York City’s Times Square—the vocalists behind Netflix’s record-breaking fictional girl group admitted they found it nearly impossible to pinpoint a single “pinch me” moment. EJAE noted that the entirety of 2025 felt like a surreal, career-defining experience.
REI AMI initially pointed to their appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a personal highlight. However, after EJAE reminded the group of their landmark Saturday Night Live performance in October, Ami acknowledged that the year was a constant cycle of one-upping itself. “That was massive too,” she said, “it just felt like every milestone kept topping the one before it.”
Audrey Nuna shared a more lighthearted memory, recalling the humor of seeing her mother engage in a conversation about kimchi with Jimmy Fallon.
The group’s disbelief is well-founded given the sheer scale of their success. Since its premiere in June, KPop Demon Hunters has officially become Netflix’s most-watched project in the platform’s history. Their breakout anthem, “Golden,” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 with an eight-week run at No. 1 and was ultimately named the best song of the year by Billboard staff.
HUNTR/X joins an elite roster of talent for this year’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, sharing the stage with icons and rising stars like Mariah Carey, Chappell Roan, Post Malone, BigXthaPlug, Leon Thomas, Rick Springfield, and Madison Beer.
Other featured artists also took a moment to look back. Charlie Puth cited his invitation to perform the national anthem at the upcoming Super Bowl on Feb. 8, 2026, as his standout memory. “I’m keeping my cool for now, but I know the nerves will hit once the Big Game gets closer,” he admitted. Meanwhile, Demi Lovato shared a more personal triumph: her May wedding to Jutes. Lovato described the realization that her personal dreams were coming true alongside her professional ones as her ultimate highlight.
You can watch the full Billboard feature with the 2026 Rockin’ Eve performers above.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 is produced by Dick Clark Productions, a subsidiary of Penske Media Eldridge—a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard’s parent company, Penske Media.
