After the criticism surrounding its lack of Best Original Song live performances last year, the Academy Awards is set to bring it back for this coming 2026 edition.

However, it will only be two of them.

Only two songs will be performed live: “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” and “I Lied to You” from “Sinners”.

According to a letter sent to this year’s music nominees by Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, and producer Taryn Hurd, the decision to feature these specific performances reflects how the songs “have played a defining role in their global cultural impact and audience connection this year.”

The selection of “Golden” is particularly significant, as the track has become a cultural phenomenon since the film’s release. The producers teased “segments designed to honour how music helped these stories resonate worldwide,” suggesting special treatment for the KPop Demon Hunters performance.

Meanwhile, “Sinners”- which leads this year’s Oscar nominations with a record-breaking 16 nominations – will also see its nominated song performed live, cementing the film’s dominant presence at the ceremony.

The three other nominated songs – Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner’s “Train Dreams” from “Train Dreams”, Diane Warren’s “Dear Me” from “Diane Warren: Relentless” and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” by Nicholas Pike from “Viva Verdi!” – will be introduced via custom-produced segments featuring film and behind-the-scenes footage, with additional support across social media.

The producers emphasised that all nominees “are being treated with the same care, storytelling focus and intention as the other awards categories, all of which will be included on the show.”

It is noted that last year’s Best Song performances segment was cut to save time, but was criticised due to additional performances from other artistes deemed unnecessary, including the 007 James Bond tribute by Doja Cat, LISA and RAYE.

The 2026 Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second year in a row, will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, 15 March.

(Photo Source: Variety)

It’s been a good year for singer-songwriter EJAE, as it was revealed that her song, “Golden” has nabbed four Grammy nominations.

The song, which was one of the few hits from the animated feature, “KPop Demon Hunters,” was nominated for the coveted Song of the Year, as well as Best Song Written for Visual Media, best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Remixed Song.

Meanwhile, the full “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack received a nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Expressing her happiness over the nominations, EJAE expressed, “Omg… I don’t even have the adjectives to describe how I’m feeling. This is beyond anything I ever imagined, being nominated for a Grammy… never mind SONG OF THE YEAR!!!! To say this was my dream is an understatement. This wouldn’t be possible without the fans of the movie who have shown us so much support.”

Meanwhile, fellow singer Audrey Nuna, who is the voice of the character Mira, expressed, “My endless love to the generations of outcasts who felt like they never belonged, to anyone who’s felt counted out… the kids & teenagers & adults who never saw themselves represented in the movies or media that they consumed. This film is a true win for any person of any background who’s ever been there & I know that all of us have at some point. I’m beyond grateful to be a part of Kpop Demon Hunters & everything that it stands for.”

“Golden” will be competing with “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Anxiety” by Doechii, “APT.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars, “DtMF” by Bad Bunny, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar with SZA, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, and “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish for the title of Song of the Year.

(Photo Source: Audrey Nuna IG)

While it has been confirmed that there will be a sequel to “KPop Demon Hunters,” it looks like fans will have to wait for a while for the movie to come out.

It was reported that Netflix and Sony have finalised a deal for the sequel, but what with animated films taking a long time to make, the movie will only be released in 2029.

However, the release date may still change depending on the production schedule.

The success of the animated feature surprised many, after it became the streamer’s most popular movie this year. Three of its original songs, “Golden,” “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” also made it to the Billboard 100 chart.

The film, which revolves around a fictional K-pop girl group who protects the world from demons using music, was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.

Just like Huntr/x fans out there, Korean-American rapper Rei Ami is also waiting for the call for the potential sequel to “KPop Demon Hunters”.

The performer, who voiced the character Zoey in the animated feature, shared her excitement about the possibility of movie number two with the media at the Heidi Klum’s Halloween bash, where she went as her character in the film.

“I’m waiting for the call, just like you! You’re going to find out when I do, so we’ll chat then,” she said.

Rei also stated that she is elated to see the love for the movie, especially seeing children going as the members of Huntr/x for Halloween.

“This is a cultural phenomenon. The records, the headlines… it’s absolutely unprecedented. [I’m] so honoured and in awe, and I think I’m just truly humbled by the power of music and good art and how it can really, truly, it sounds so cliché, change the world,” she reflected.

“That’s exactly what this film and this soundtrack did, and it brought so much hope and light in[to] such a dim, grim world, so I am absolutely honoured and privileged to be a part of it.”

(Photo Source: Rei IG)

EJAE, the singer-songwriter most known for composing the songs for “KPop Demon Hunters” is now signed with Hollywood management agency, WME.

The South Korean composer, who became famous for being the singing voice of the main character Rumi in the animated feature, will be a part of the agency that represents stars like Jennifer Aniston, Adele, Dua Lipa and Bruno Mars among others.

EJAE has been busy since the success of the animated feature, performing the hit song “Golden” from the movie with fellow singers Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna.

It is noted that the fictional group Huntrix has already made it big on the music charts, with “Golden” remaining for eight weeks in number one.

Prior to her new fame, EJAE is known to have written songs for K-pop groups like Aespa, NMIXX and Twice.

(Photo Source: EJAE IG)