The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has become 2025's biggest cultural phenomenon, with its soundtrack hit 'Golden' making history as the first K-pop song nominated in a General Field Grammy category. The track is up for Song of the Year alongside artists like Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar, while also competing in visual media awards. Experts predict strong chances for wins in soundtrack categories amid a robust Oscar campaign.
KPop Demon Hunters, an original animated feature initially discarded by Sony, saw a quiet Netflix release before building to become the platform's most-watched film ever. Its soundtrack propelled multiple hits, notably the No. 1 single 'Golden,' which shattered barriers by securing the first K-pop nomination in the Grammys' General Field for Song of the Year. The song and album also earned nods in other categories, including the Visual Media field.
In Best Song Written for Visual Media, 'Golden' holds an 87 percent chance of victory according to Gold Derby predictions, facing competition from tracks like those in Sinners and Elton John's entry. This category often rewards the year's biggest success, and KPop Demon Hunters' mainstream dominance makes it a frontrunner. Similarly, the album is favored in Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, potentially topping contenders such as Wicked, A Complete Unknown, and Sinners.
History supports soundtrack entries in major races. The Grammys' first Album of the Year winner was the 1959 Peter Gunn soundtrack by Henry Mancini, followed by wins for Saturday Night Fever, The Bodyguard, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?. About one-fifth of Record and Song of the Year victors hail from films, including Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On,' Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven,' and Billie Eilish's 'What Was I Made For?'. Animated film songs like 'Somewhere Out There' from An American Tail and 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin have also triumphed in Song of the Year.
Though 'Golden' features a poppier, danceable style with digital instruments, its lyrics adopt a ballad-like structure, exploring themes of being undervalued and finally shining—a relatable narrative for artists. Songwriter Ejae, sidelined in the industry for over a decade, adds personal resonance. An ongoing Oscar push, including 'Golden''s shortlist for Best Original Song and the film's lead in Best Animated Feature predictions, has boosted visibility through FYC performances and Q&As.
Currently fourth in Song of the Year odds behind Sabrina Carpenter's 'Manchild,' Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra,' and Kendrick Lamar and SZA's 'Luther,' 'Golden' could still spark a sweep. The Recording Academy's embrace of visual media and desire to stay current may propel the K-pop track forward when awards are presented in February.
