Overview
- The group took the Sahara Stage on Friday as a five-piece, premiering “Pinky Up” live and inviting Huntr/x vocalists Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami for a surprise performance of the Oscar-winning song “Golden.”
- HYBE confirmed Thursday that Manon Bannerman remains on a temporary health-related hiatus with no return timeline, and she did not appear in the Coachella set after telling fans she is healthy and in positive talks with HxG.
- “Pinky Up” arrived Thursday as KATSEYE’s first five-member single and video, written by Justin Tranter and produced by dwilly, “hitman” bang and FRANTS, with a Bardia Zeinali–directed visual.
- Ahead of the festival, members told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe they love Manon, called her a “sister forever,” and said they want to give her space and support while they continue planned shows.
- Fans have organized boycott efforts and pressed for transparency about the hiatus, a flashpoint that has also prompted wider discussion of how the industry treats Black women, given Manon is the group’s only Black member.