5 Minutes
Surprise SNL Moment Turns Heads
Saturday Night Live kicked off season 51 with a splash when three voices from the animated Netflix–Sony hit KPop Demon Hunters slipped into a sketch and gave viewers the first live taste of the film's breakout single. EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna — who provide the singing voices for Rumi, Zoey and Mira of the on-screen K-pop trio Huntrix — made a surprise appearance in a brunch-themed skit that culminated in a short, deliciously 'Golden' performance. For many fans, that unannounced mini-set was the first time the fictional girl group felt fully alive outside the movie.
It was a smart moment of cross-pollination: a mainstream late-night comedy show spotlighting an animated property whose soundtrack has powered the film's cultural momentum. The clip quickly trended across social platforms, with fans praising the performers for translating animated choreography and vocal character into energized, real-life stage presence.
Tonight Show and the Full Live Debut
Huntrix's surprise on SNL was only the opening act. The trio is slated to bring their full set to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where they'll perform the song in its entirety and sit for a joint interview. The Tonight Show segment doubles as a milestone for the project — voice actors stepping into pop-star roles is increasingly common, but delivering a full commercial performance on a major U.S. late-night platform marks a new level of mainstream acceptance.
Behind the scenes, EJAE's role is especially notable. In addition to being the singing voice of lead character Rumi, she contributed to the film's songwriting and used the SNL buzz to announce her own debut single, 'In Another World,' due Oct. 24. In an emotional Instagram message, EJAE acknowledged the surreal shift from behind-the-scenes songwriter to front-facing artist and described the new track as a piece that helped her through a difficult time.
Why the Soundtrack Matters
KPop Demon Hunters has done what only a handful of modern animated films manage: it turned its soundtrack into an independent pop phenomenon. The Huntrix single climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, briefly unseating long-standing hits and then reclaiming the top spot — a testament to both novelty and staying power. Two more tracks from the movie, performed by the in-universe boy group Saja Boys, also sit inside the Hot 100's upper tier, while other soundtrack cuts, including a song by Twice, continue to chart.
This level of chart success echoes recent trends where animation and pop music intersect. Think Encanto's Grammy-winning run or the streaming-era amplification that helped Coco and Sing spawn real-world playlists and viral dance challenges. Studios are increasingly treating soundtracks as global pop launches rather than mere film accompaniments, and KPop Demon Hunters exemplifies that strategy.
Context and Critique
On one hand, the film's success and its stars' live appearances demonstrate smart multimedia marketing and genuine artistic appeal. On the other hand, some critics and fans debate whether the project blurs lines between authentic K-pop culture and a stylized, Westernized interpretation meant for global audiences. That conversation is part of a larger cultural critique about appropriation, adaptation and the responsibilities of major studios when borrowing from distinct music scenes.
Cinema historian Anna Kovacs offers a concise take: 'KPop Demon Hunters is more than a novelty — it shows how animated storytelling and pop music can co-create modern fandoms. But the industry must balance spectacle with cultural sensitivity as these projects scale.'
Fan Reaction and What Comes Next
Fans have taken over TikTok and X with choreography breakdowns, cosplay of Huntrix, and speculation about a sequel; indeed, sources indicate Netflix and Sony Animation are already in talks for a follow-up. For EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, the live late-night circuit — from SNL's cameo to The Tonight Show's full performance — signals a new chapter where voice acting, songwriting and pop stardom collide.
Whether you came for the monsters, the music, or the animation, Huntrix's leap from screen to stage marks the kind of multimedia success story increasingly common in 2020s entertainment. And for viewers who fell in love with Rumi, Zoey and Mira on Netflix, seeing the women behind those voices step into the spotlight feels like a natural, exciting evolution.
In short: the Huntrix phenomenon is both a soundtrack success and a case study in how modern films launch pop acts, for better and for debate. Expect more late-night stages, chart moves and plenty of fan-made moments in the weeks ahead.
Source: hollywoodreporter
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