Katseye Faces Wave of Criticism Over Performance During First World Tour Concert After Shaky NRJ Music Awards Set
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TAME MANGA – KATSEYE, the global girl group formed through a collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, has launched its first world tour, the "WILDWORLD Tour," drawing significant attention.
While the tour has achieved success—with tickets selling out—the multinational group has faced harsh criticism regarding vocal stability and stage production. This backlash intensified after footage of their live performances went viral on social media in September 2026.
As the first vocal group formed in the U.S. using the rigorous training methods typical of K-pop, expectations for KATSEYE’s performance synchronization and vocal quality were exceptionally high. However, the online circulation of "raw audio" footage—videos featuring live vocals without reliance on backing tracks—sparked intense debate.
Many internet users pointed out that the vocals of certain members appeared "unstable" and "disjointed" during performances. In particular, a segment where member Daniela sang in Spanish became a major topic of discussion; critics noted that her vocals were unstable even though she was standing still while singing.
Furthermore, their live performances—including the title track "Gnarly"—have drawn criticism for relying too heavily on high-pitched, cheerleader-style shouting rather than demonstrating mature vocal technique.
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Issues with Stage Formations
One factor contributing to the group's less-than-perfect performances during their European tour was the fact that the full lineup was not present. For the initial shows in Dublin, London, and Paris, KATSEYE was forced to perform with only four of its six members.