The incandescent success of HUNTR/X’s chart-topping single "Golden" has not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive eight consecutive weeks but has also etched a memorable moment in the annals of music industry recognition. The dynamic trio, comprised of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, who are being honored as Billboard’s 2026 Women of the Year, recently shared their reflections on a pivotal night at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala where their anthem resonated with both music royalty and unexpected admirers.
A Night of Unforeseen Encounters and Musical Reverence
The Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala, a cornerstone event in the lead-up to the Grammy Awards, is renowned for its exclusive guest list, drawing together the most influential figures in music, film, and entertainment. It was within this glittering assembly that HUNTR/X, already a burgeoning force in the music scene, found their performance of "Golden" captured by none other than pop icon Demi Lovato. The moment, recounted by Audrey Nuna during a recent interview for their Billboard Women in Music cover story, underscored the profound impact of their music.
"My sister saw Demi Lovato taking a video of us at the Clive Davis party," Nuna shared, her voice tinged with awe. "And I was like, ‘Wow, Camp Rock changed my life.’ This is real. This is me." The reference to Lovato’s early career, specifically the beloved Disney Channel Original Movie "Camp Rock," highlighted a poignant connection for Nuna, whose own journey in music has now intersected with one of her formative inspirations.
This sentiment was further amplified as Nuna, EJAE, and REI AMI spontaneously broke into song during their interview, performing a heartfelt rendition of Lovato’s iconic ballad "This Is Me." The lyrics, "This is real! This is me! I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be," served as a powerful echo of their own artistic declarations and aspirations. The song, a duet with Joe Jonas from the 2008 film, was a significant hit, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an anthem for self-acceptance for a generation.
Thematic Resonance: "Golden" and "This Is Me"
The thematic parallels between HUNTR/X’s "Golden" and Lovato’s "This Is Me" are striking. Nuna observed, "It kind of has a similar message to ‘Golden,’ honestly." Both songs, in their distinct ways, champion authenticity and the courage to embrace one’s true identity. In "This Is Me," Lovato sings, "No more hiding who I want to be," a sentiment powerfully mirrored in EJAE’s proclamation in "Golden": "No more hiding, I’ll be shinin’ like I’m born to be." This lyrical synergy underscores the universal appeal of messages that encourage self-empowerment and the embrace of one’s unique path.
The experience of having cultural touchstones of their generation recognize and engage with their music was, for the members of HUNTR/X, an almost surreal affirmation. "To see cultural staples of our generation adore this movie is pretty… mind-blowing," EJAE interjected, with Nuna adding, "Surreal, yeah." This exchange highlights the profound connection between artists and their audience, where shared cultural experiences can foster a deep sense of validation and belonging.
A Star-Studded Chorus for "Golden"
The recognition at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala extended beyond Demi Lovato’s enthusiastic reception. EJAE revealed another astonishing moment: "Lana Del Rey apparently at Clive Davis sang [along with ‘Golden’ and Ryan Tedder] recorded it," she stated, referencing a viral moment that further solidified the song’s broad appeal. "I just saw it online, and she was singing ‘Golden’ with us. So I feel strengthened," EJAE added with a laugh. The sight of the critically acclaimed Lana Del Rey joining in on their hit was a testament to "Golden’s" infectious melody and empowering message, transcending genre and artistic boundaries.
This convergence of talent and admiration at a prestigious industry event speaks volumes about HUNTR/X’s rapidly ascending trajectory. The gala provided a platform not only for performance but also for cross-generational appreciation and the forging of new artistic connections.
Grammy Recognition and the Road to Women of the Year
The momentum from the Pre-Grammy Gala carried directly into the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The night after the Clive party, "Golden" achieved a monumental feat, winning the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media. This historic win marked the first time a K-pop song has ever received a Grammy award, shattering barriers and opening new doors for artists within the genre. The win was a significant validation of HUNTR/X’s innovative sound and their ability to connect with a global audience through compelling storytelling and memorable music.
The Grammy success and the widespread acclaim for "Golden" have culminated in HUNTR/X being named Billboard’s 2026 Women of the Year. This prestigious honor, to be celebrated at the upcoming Billboard Women in Music ceremony on April 29th at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, recognizes their significant impact on the music industry. They will join a distinguished group of honorees, including Teyana Taylor, Tate McRae, Ella Langley, Kehlani, Laufey, Mariah the Scientist, Thalia, and Zara Larsson. The ceremony, hosted by the multi-talented Keke Palmer, will also feature a performance by Palmer and will be streamed live on Billboard.com and Billboard’s YouTube channel, ensuring a wide reach for this celebration of female achievement in music.
Broader Implications and the Future of Music
The achievements of HUNTR/X, particularly with "Golden," represent a significant cultural moment. Their success underscores the increasing globalization of music and the breaking down of traditional genre and regional barriers. The song’s ability to resonate with such a diverse array of artists and audiences, from pop titans to international music icons, speaks to its universal themes of self-discovery and empowerment.
The Grammy win for a K-pop song in a major category signals a growing acceptance and appreciation for music originating from South Korea within mainstream Western markets. This opens up unprecedented opportunities for future K-pop artists to gain recognition and awards on global platforms. It also encourages a more diverse and inclusive landscape within the music industry, where talent and creativity can be recognized irrespective of origin.
As HUNTR/X prepares to accept their Women of the Year award, their journey serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring artists everywhere. Their story is a testament to the power of authentic expression, the impact of well-crafted music, and the extraordinary moments that can arise when talent meets opportunity on the world’s biggest stages. The group’s fusion of their unique artistic identities with a universally relatable message has not only secured their place in music history but has also paved the way for a more vibrant and interconnected global music scene. The echoes of "Golden" are likely to reverberate for years to come, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace their own authenticity and shine as brightly as they were born to.
