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Billboard Women in Music 2026 Women of the Year EJAE, REI AMI, and AUDREY NUNA, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from the ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ sit down with Billboard to reflect on a record-breaking year. The trio talks about "Golden" surpassing 1 billion streams, becoming the most-watched Netflix movie in history, and what it means to make history as Asian American women in the music industry.
From their very first rehearsal ahead of Jimmy Fallon to Lana Del Rey singing "Golden" at Clive Davis, the girls open up about imposter syndrome, immigrant roots, the power of representation, and why femininity is anything but delicate.
From their very first rehearsal ahead of Jimmy Fallon to Lana Del Rey singing "Golden" at Clive Davis, the girls open up about imposter syndrome, immigrant roots, the power of representation, and why femininity is anything but delicate.
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00:00EJ is my woman at the end.
00:01Well, now what do you mean?
00:02Okay, these girls.
00:04I have to second that.
00:05I'm so proud.
00:06I mean, I'm proud of us.
00:07Look at you guys.
00:08I think that's the perfect thing.
00:09I'm so proud.
00:10Just take it.
00:11Just take it.
00:12Just please.
00:13This is so annoying.
00:14Take it.
00:15I would never say something I don't mean to.
00:17Just, like, give out compliments like this.
00:20Dude, that's expensive.
00:33The women of the year thing, like, I immediately just think about all the women who have come
00:37before us and have paved the road, you know, obviously in the music industry, but also
00:43like our ancestry and our lineage and like the women who had to deal with so much bullshit
00:48for us to be able to sit here today while my leg is falling asleep.
00:53You know, that is so, that's everything to us.
00:57To be recognized is incredibly, like, awesome, especially as an Asian American woman.
01:02It's definitely a feel honored.
01:04You know, it really means a lot since, you know, growing up, I would always look at the
01:08billboard charts and see what songs are up and what songs are popular.
01:16This has been a really transformative experience to see this music affect so many people and
01:23see something that we've been a part of, that we're blessed to be a part of, change people's lives.
01:30That's a really inspiring process.
01:32We've each been, you know, on our own journey in the music industry for so long.
01:37You eat shit sometimes, you are winning sometimes, you're up and down.
01:42You don't know what's going on sometimes.
01:44And I think that this was such a moment of clarity for all three of us of like, yes,
01:49music has power to bring joy to the world.
01:52But I think it reaffirmed a lot of beliefs that I've held throughout my career, which is
01:57one, you really don't know anything at all.
02:00The way this project has land at this point, it is, I'm in awe.
02:05My jaw is on the ground.
02:06I cannot believe this is where we're at.
02:10The word that describes my life right now is metamorphosis, very behind the scenes.
02:16So this is all very new.
02:20So I am learning as I go and I just feel like I've been changing a lot.
02:25I surprised myself a lot.
02:26I have really bad stage fright, but I've been trying to overcome it and can't believe I'm
02:29doing it.
02:30And honestly, I don't think I'd be able to do it without these girls.
02:33To be honest, they always help me prep myself, always saying like, you got this on me.
02:40Like she does.
02:41We got you.
02:43I just didn't know what to expect.
02:45It was very sudden and I would be lying if I wasn't like saying it was overwhelming.
02:50Like it was quite overwhelming, but at the same time, super exciting.
02:54All of these things, like I've never dealt with paparazzi and having paparazzi be outside
02:58your hotel or follow your vehicle, it is a bit bizarre and very new.
03:04But in a way, it's the problems I have prayed for.
03:07Please welcome the singing voices of Huntrix, EJ, Rhea May and Audrey Nuna from the worldwide
03:13phenomenon that is K-Pop Demon Hunter.
03:18Golden K-Pop Demon Hunter.
03:23Golden.
03:24Golden.
03:24Golden.
03:24Golden.
03:27Oh my God, this is heavy.
03:29I'm so, it's a dream come true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other
03:39boys and everyone from all ages to get through their hardship and to accept themselves.
03:43Golden.
03:44Golden.
03:45Golden.
03:46Golden.
03:46Golden.
03:48Golden.
03:53Golden.
03:56Golden.
04:13the most powerful tool, I guess, that, you know, has been bestowed upon us.
04:17EJ, Audrey Nuna, and Ray Amin.
04:28I think it was rehearsals for Jimmy Fallon, which was our first performance,
04:34our first official performance ever, which is really nuts if you think about it.
04:39We had never, you know, rehearsed before then.
04:42We didn't even, we barely saw each other during the recording process.
04:45We would see each other in between.
04:46Separately.
04:47You know, just to say, what's up?
04:48We saw the premiere and we're like, oh, yeah.
04:50Oh, bye.
04:51This was so nice.
04:52Hope to connect with you soon.
04:54And then now we're here, you know, in L.A. rehearsing for Jimmy Fallon for our first performance.
04:59Absolutely nuts.
05:00But I think that was such a bonding time for us because of the fact that no one in the
05:05world
05:06who can relate to the things that have happened over the past seven months.
05:10That challenge, I think, really forced us to grow our synergy, you know, our trust,
05:18and in such a short period of time, too.
05:20So that was fun.
05:23There was a moment, remember?
05:24You remember that moment when we first rehearsed together?
05:27We locked in.
05:27We locked in and we were done and we're like, you got, and you were like, which, you know,
05:31it's just rare.
05:32And she had, like, intense response when you said, you guys, we're actually doing this.
05:38That felt good.
05:40Yeah, that's what she said.
05:41That felt good.
05:41Yeah, that felt good.
05:42I have a list of your accomplishments that I need to read off because you have done some
05:47amazing things, young lady.
05:50Golden has surpassed one billion streams and was number one on Billboard charts for over
05:5618 weeks.
05:58K-pop Dana Huntress is the most watched Netflix movie in history.
06:05You're the first K-pop artist to win a Grammy.
06:10Golden is the first K-pop song to be nominated for an Oscar.
06:14Girl, the history just don't end.
06:17Jennifer Hudson the other day.
06:20That was pretty incredible.
06:21My sister had mentioned that she saw Demi Lovato taking a video of us at the Clive Davis.
06:27And I was like, wow, Camp Rock changed my life.
06:30This is real.
06:31This is me.
06:32You know, someone tags you.
06:39It kind of has a similar message to Golden on it, playing a lot of the songs on the soundtrack.
06:44So, you know, to see like cultural staples of our generation, you know, adore this movie
06:49is pretty mind-blowing.
06:53Surreal.
06:54Yeah.
06:54Yeah.
06:55I mean, Lana Del Rey apparently had Clive Davis singing the song.
06:59She recorded it.
06:59I think someone tagged her and she was singing Golden with us.
07:04So, I feel strengthened.
07:08That viral Leonardo DiCaprio moment.
07:11Oh, it was K-pop.
07:12Yeah, it was hilarious.
07:13That was amazing.
07:14He said like, the K-pop or like the lip sync readers were like-
07:18Yeah, yeah.
07:18Readers.
07:19Yeah.
07:19That was iconic.
07:24Obviously, the last seven months have been crazy for us, but this is a story that starts
07:28with our childhood, you know, of, you know, our parents moving here and trying to make
07:35immigrating to a new country, trying to follow a dream and provide and being an outcast in
07:43our own society sometimes, hiding our smelly-ass lunches, you know, being asked why our eyes
07:51look a certain way in the line at school and this goes far deeper than just, you know, this
07:59year, you know, it goes to show that the world really needed this moment, this representation.
08:05I also think the fact that it's critically acclaimed is, it really does mean so much because
08:12I think it's kind of like stamping your place in history, you know, I think that being able
08:20to stand in those rooms with creative peers and people who we respect so much on top of
08:27knowing that there's grandmas and their grandchildren vibing to this music together, you know, in the
08:34Hyundai or the Sunday.
08:36Wow.
08:36It's crazy.
08:37It's like so multifaceted.
08:38It just speaks to how many people resonate with this.
08:42It doesn't matter where you come from.
08:43Yeah.
08:43I mean, even if you're a voter, you're, you're a person too.
08:46So.
08:47I mean, adding to what they both said, I mean, I'm an immigrant.
08:51I came to this country at seven years old with my family.
08:54My parents worked very long hours, blue collar jobs, you know, for their daughter, for all
08:59their sacrifices to be, to amount to this.
09:02Yeah.
09:02It's a generational, multi-generational flex.
09:06That's exactly what it is.
09:07And just like what Audrey said, I think common theme that we've been hearing during this
09:12run has been that, yes, this commercial acclaim is great, but a critical, like, knock, it truly
09:20stamps and cements this film, the music in history forever.
09:24I mean, Golden was the first K-pop song to win.
09:28That's history.
09:30They're going to be studying Golden for ages.
09:32They're going to have a class, a whole, like, study on Golden and its rise.
09:37Literally.
09:38If not already.
09:40That is crazy.
09:41Yeah.
09:47I can't believe that's happening.
09:49Like, it just doesn't feel real and it feels almost, what do you call, the universe made
09:56it happen.
09:57Yeah, aligned.
09:57That's what it feels like.
09:58Even meeting you guys, it felt like it was meant to be.
10:01Like destiny.
10:02Yeah.
10:03It felt like everything was kind of like happening for a reason.
10:05So even with Golden coming out of the time that it is too, I think, you know, the message
10:11behind Golden is definitely something that's so important.
10:14And also the fact that Golden is not just in English, but it's Korean, it's K-pop in where
10:20culture and love for culture is really needed right now, I think is all meant to be.
10:26This film is obviously for everyone, but I think that seeing the way that it's affected
10:30the youth, seeing, you know, young people just, you see it in their eyes, you know, they're
10:38really inspired by this film and the message.
10:40They walk with a different confidence when they sing these songs, I think.
10:44And I think that's really what the reason why we do what we do.
10:48Those are the things when, you know, the kids come up to us and they tell us that we
10:53dressed up as Rumi, Zoe, Mira for Halloween with their mom matching whatever it is.
10:59Their dad matching.
11:00Yeah, their dad matching.
11:02It's like that to me is what energizes me to just, you know, as sleep deprived as we
11:11are, to love that because that's the that's the shit that really means something.
11:15You know, yesterday, there was this kid that came as a little Korean girl.
11:20Her mom told me that she wants to be a singer and she really looks up to Taylor Swift and
11:25Taylor Swift is amazing.
11:26We love her.
11:28And then she said, and then EJ came or Rae Ami and Audrey and seeing girls who look like
11:34her, we became her favorite artists as well.
11:37And she really, her dream to become a singer is even like bigger and bigger.
11:41And she's really much more passionate now.
11:43So that, isn't that so sweet?
11:46Like, yeah.
11:48Like, oh, wow, they look like me.
11:50Oh, my God, I could be a singer.
11:51And then that gave her more confidence.
11:53So what can I say to that?
11:54Yeah.
11:55That's amazing.
11:56Changing the world.
12:03Hi, Hi, Twix.
12:05How did you learn how to sing?
12:08Can you teach me how to sing?
12:10Hi, Hi, Twix.
12:12Hi, Natalie.
12:14Her leaving the frame is so good.
12:16So good.
12:17How did you guys learn how to sing?
12:19Practice.
12:20Practice.
12:20I think I imitated a lot.
12:23Same.
12:23I listened to a lot of Kelly Clarkson.
12:26At Disney. I listened to a lot of Disney.
12:29My first experience singing in front of people was a Korean folk singing competition when I was...
12:357? 8?
12:38Like, 반소리?
12:39No, it was 동요 대회.
12:41Like, 아빠하고 나하고.
12:43No, I don't know.
12:44And just these very traditional Korean songs that my aunt helped me with.
12:49I would say Natalie. Swaggy Natalie.
12:56I think practicing performing in front of people is so important.
13:02We're getting so much amazing experience performing in front of people.
13:06And starting that as soon as we can.
13:08Yeah, I agree.
13:10Keep seeing gold and it's a great warm-up.
13:13Yeah.
13:14She's so cute.
13:15What's your favorite song to sing?
13:29Other than Golden?
13:31I mean, Golden's a hard song to sing.
13:33Yeah.
13:33But I love singing If I Ain't Got You.
13:36Oh, it's a song.
13:37Alicia Keys.
13:38That's like my go-to song after karaoke.
13:39You Know I'm No Good by Amy Winehouse.
13:42Mmm.
13:43Love that song.
13:44One of my karaoke go-to's is Chasing Pavements by Adele.
13:48Oh, that's so good.
13:50Not like a version, because we sang that song.
13:52We did sing that song by Madonna the other night, and that was epic.
13:58Hi, Hot Tricks.
14:01Hi, Hot Tricks.
14:02Hi, Hot Tricks.
14:03Hi, Hot Tricks.
14:03My name's Emery.
14:04My name's Rae.
14:06Do you have any funny stories that happened during recording?
14:11And how many times did it take to write the song Golden?
14:18Yes, girl.
14:21She knows.
14:23I like your singing.
14:25I really wish I could be in that movie.
14:29Oh, my gosh.
14:34Emery and Maeva.
14:36Shout out.
14:38Aw.
14:39Recording.
14:40I mean, it was, for me, it was like how much they like their characters.
14:44It was hilarious.
14:46I think Rae's is hilarious.
14:48Well, for her, when I first met her, I was like, I mean, I've known her since she was 15.
14:55But she was so different back then.
14:57She's like, this little girl, we wrote a gospel song together.
15:01It's so good.
15:02Andrew Choi, shout out.
15:04Shout out to Andrew Choi.
15:06And then when I met her at the studio, it was like this really cool pants.
15:10So cool.
15:11And she was like, hey, Jay, fuck.
15:16What's that?
15:17It was like so very much mirror vibes.
15:19And then met her while recording.
15:24And she was just like, Ian was quiet.
15:26He's usually vocal directing, but he doesn't, he wasn't.
15:29He was just like watching her because she was vocal directing herself.
15:32And every time she would do something wrong, she'd be like, I can't take her.
15:36Okay.
15:37She'd be like, bitch, get it together.
15:39Do it again, bitch.
15:40It was so funny.
15:43I wish I was.
15:44We were just like laughing.
15:45And I'd be like, hi, EJ.
15:46And then she'd come up, oh my god, EJ.
15:48Like, hi.
15:49This is so funny.
15:51Funny.
15:51I think it's funny the amount of takes that we did for these songs.
15:55Which take would you do the most?
15:58Honestly.
15:59Honestly, Fit Check for Night Home Era, we did a lot of those.
16:02Because obviously it's a unique line.
16:04And I think finding the right tone for it was, it just took exploring.
16:09And that is honestly the last line that I would have expected to take off like that.
16:15Just because we did so much exploration.
16:17I was like, huh, is this, is this right?
16:20Is this good?
16:21There was like this beautiful mystery around that line.
16:23And then to see that it resonated with so many people.
16:27Your hard work paid off.
16:29Literally.
16:30It was very iconic.
16:32I love engaging with our fans.
16:33Our fans are super fun and creative, I think.
16:35And a lot of them are creatives.
16:37And I think just sharing my story, sharing our stories, and then being vulnerable and honest
16:43about how difficult this career choice is, you know?
16:47We've been in this game for how long?
16:48How many doors have been shut on us?
16:51How many times have we had to pick ourselves up from the ashes and start again and again and again?
16:57There was a point in my time, like in my career, where I was very shy about it and very
17:03reserved on sharing
17:05and being honest about how difficult it is.
17:07But I think this entire journey and being surrounded by such amazing women has given me the courage to be
17:14honest.
17:15And a lot of people have resonated with my story and so I'm very grateful for that.
17:20So, you know, it's a very lonely journey sometimes.
17:23So, sharing your story can sometimes really help others feel a little less alone.
17:28So, I think others have done that for me.
17:31So, I think I have to pay it forward.
17:32Yeah.
17:32I'm doing great.
17:33I cry a lot. It's not special.
17:35Oh, God.
17:36Cry. Sorry, Kevin. My makeup.
17:40EJ is my woman.
17:42Well, now, what do you mean?
17:43Okay, these girls.
17:44I have a second that I'm so proud.
17:47I mean, I'm proud of you guys.
17:49I think that's the perfect thing.
17:50I'm so proud, right?
17:51I think he's so proud of us.
17:52No.
17:53Yeah.
17:53Just take it.
17:54No.
17:54Just take it.
17:55Please.
17:56This is so annoying.
17:58Take it.
17:58I wouldn't have to say something I don't need to do.
18:00Just give out compliments like this.
18:03Dude, that's expensive.
18:04Please just take it.
18:05Thank y'all.
18:05Thank y'all.
18:06Oh, I mean...
18:07And EJ's mom.
18:09Oh, and EJ's mom.
18:11If she didn't create her, we wouldn't be here.
18:14My mom is here, right?
18:15Oh, but yes.
18:16Yeah, EJ.
18:17I love you.
18:19EJ's the woman of the year for me.
18:22If you never went to the dentist that day, if you didn't choose your specific dentist.
18:27I didn't get a gold filling.
18:28Exactly.
18:29And if you didn't have your phone and your phone wasn't charged that day, God forbid.
18:33Woo!
18:34And you weren't in an Uber, like in an environment where it was like quiet.
18:38I just...
18:39I am thankful for you.
18:40I am thankful for Audrey Nunez.
18:42Audrey for a hundred girls.
18:45Or...
18:45Women of the year.
18:47Right.
18:47Sitting next...
18:48Women of the year.
18:49E.
18:50E.
18:51Not A.
18:52I will steal candy from children for these two.
18:56I will, and last, while I do it.
18:59Gladly.
19:00I personally also, besides with very few close friends and my sister, I didn't really have a lot of female
19:05friends growing up.
19:06A lot of my friends are male, and I feel such a refreshing, just this year in general, you know,
19:15them and also like the people I've surrounded myself with.
19:17I just feel this huge inspiration for femininity.
19:22And the fact that femininity is not delicate, you know, it's very, it's very powerful.
19:29Loud.
19:30Yes.
19:30And it's multifaceted and it takes so many different forms.
19:34What I appreciate so much about our friendship is the fact that we are literally sometimes cannot be more opposite.
19:41Yeah.
19:41But every time we step on the stage, every time we go into rehearsal, anytime someone's having a hard day,
19:48it's like we have each other's backs.
19:51And at the core of who we are, we want to see each other and other women win.
19:58Yeah.
19:58I think that's what 2026 and beyond is about.
20:01I think that's the energy that has the potential to honestly change, change the world and heal a lot.
20:08Again, it's time to change guys.
20:10Twenty.
20:13Twenty.
20:14Twenty.
20:17Twenty.
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