SNL sends KATSEYE to Dream Academy for Wild Season 2

Jackson Turner 09/27/2026

The world of pop music and sketch comedy collided spectacularly this week as the global girl group KATSEYE made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live.

During the premiere of season 52, the group stepped into the spotlight for a segment featuring the reality competition show Dream Academy. Instead of competing, the members of KATSEYE took on the role of judges, overseeing a new crop of contestants whose journey to pop stardom promised to be delightfully chaotic.

These new contestants included fresh faces such as Neelsa Boyce (portrayed by SNL newcomer Saidah Belo-Osagie), Veronika Slowikowska as Isla, Sarah Sherman as Jamie, Jane Wickline as Duff, and fellow newcomer Grace Reiter as Margle. The setup for this new group was overseen by the hilariously demanding choreographer Dorian Fylnt, who was portrayed by SNL host Jalen Brunson.

After witnessing a series of messy auditions and rehearsals, the contestants were greeted by the champions of the previous season, KATSEYE themselves. The former winners praised the new group’s “athleticism,” “talent,” and “songs,” before unveiling the contestants’ debut music video, “Guardians of the Mist,” featuring the group.

KATSEYE itself is a product of a major collaboration, formed just two years ago through the reality competition Dream Academy, a joint venture between K-pop powerhouse HYBE and Universal Music Group’s Geffen Records. The group released its debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), in 2024, setting the stage for their expanding presence in the music world.

Beyond the spotlight, KATSEYE continues to make waves in entertainment. They recently made their own SNL debut, stepping in as musical guests to perform “Animal” and “Hootie Frutti” from their latest EP, Wild. This performance showcased their talent and continued their momentum following the reality series.

While the group celebrates these milestones, some members, including Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza, are currently taking a hiatus to focus on their mental health. Despite this, the group remains vibrant, currently embarking on their 31-date Wildworld Tour, which began in Europe before heading to North America in October.

Looking ahead, the group’s creative output continues to evolve, with their feature film KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS set to arrive on Disney+ soon, promising new adventures for their dynamic lineup.