Chart Success: “Animal” Breaks Into Top 15
KATSEYE’s dance‑pop anthem “Animal” has firmly entered the upper echelon of American radio, landing at No. 15 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart in its seventh week. This achievement marks the group’s second single to breach the top‑15 barrier, following the earlier success of “Gabriela,” which peaked at No. 9. The steady climb reflects growing listener engagement and robust spin increases across contemporary hit radio stations nationwide.
Beyond the Pop Airplay tally, “Animal” also made a notable appearance on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart, reaching a personal best of No. 36. This chart aggregates weekly plays from all radio formats, underscoring the track’s crossover appeal that extends beyond pure pop audiences.
Radio Impact and Global Reach
On the all‑genre Hot 100, “Animal” held steady at No. 28 during its eighth week, demonstrating sustained momentum despite the typical chart fluctuations that accompany summer releases. Meanwhile, the group’s preceding release “Hootie Frutti” maintained its presence at No. 91 for a fifth consecutive week, highlighting KATSEYE’s ability to keep multiple tracks in circulation simultaneously.
The single debuted on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart at an impressive No. 5, its highest placement to date, and entered the main songs chart at No. 24. These early streaming numbers helped propel the track’s radio ascent, illustrating the synergistic relationship between digital consumption and traditional airplay.
Globally, “Animal” secured No. 31 on the Billboard Global 200, with fellow EP tracks “Hootie Frutti” (No. 95), “Gabriela” (No. 187), and the collaborative “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (featuring LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT) appearing at No. 197. This spread showcases KATSEYE’s widening international footprint and the EP’s capacity to generate multiple chart‑ing singles.
EP “WILD” Sales and Track Performance
Released on August 14, the EP “WILD” quickly translated streaming strength into physical and digital sales. The project rebounded to No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, positioning it as the third best‑selling album of the week in the United States. Such a ranking is particularly noteworthy for a K‑pop act navigating a competitive market dominated by established Western releases.
Additional tracks from “WILD” also made their mark on the sales chart: “SIS (Soft Is Strong)” rose to No. 14, while “BEAUTIFUL CHAOS” jumped to No. 26. These movements indicate a broad‑based appeal across the EP’s repertoire, with each song finding its own niche audience.
Awards Recognition: MTV VMA Nominations
The momentum surrounding “WILD” culminated in KATSEYE earning nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The group is recognized in the categories of Best K‑pop and Best Choreography for the prerelease track “Pinky Up,” another highlight from the EP. This acknowledgment reflects not only the commercial success of the music but also the visual and performative artistry that accompanies KATSEYE’s releases.
What’s Next for KATSEYE
With “Animal” continuing to gain radio traction, the “WILD” EP maintaining strong sales, and accolades piling up ahead of the VMAs, KATSEYE appears poised for an extended promotional cycle. Industry observers anticipate upcoming performances, potential remixes, and further visual content that could push “Animal” even higher on the Pop Airplay and Hot 100 charts. Fans and newcomers alike can expect the group to leverage its current momentum into fresh releases and tour announcements later this year.
Also Read:
“KATSEYE: Wild Hearts” Review: The Story Behind Hiatus and Heartstrings
KATSEYE Unleashes ‘WILD’ EP, Drops Brazilian Phonk‑Fueled ‘Hootie Frutti’ Video
