Thousands of fans packed Rockefeller Center Plaza Friday, spilling across the plaza and filling every available space as they waited for KATSEYE to take the stage for the 2026 Citi Concert Series on the TODAY show.
The crowd began forming more than 24 hours before the performance, with fans stretching across the plaza, clutching lightsticks, handmade signs, and phones as they waited for a glimpse of the global girl group.
KATSEYE marked the release of their third EP, WILD, with an electrifying performance of “Animal” and “PINKY UP,” along with the live debut of “Hootie Frutti.” Released Friday via HYBE x Geffen Records, the five-song EP captures a two-year journey of growth, transformation, and self-discovery, trading the beautiful chaos of the group’s previous era for something more untamed and unapologetic.
With members Manon and Sophia currently on hiatus, citing mental health concerns, Lara, Megan, Yoonchae and Daniela took the stage with force. The quartet waved to fans, flashed heart poses and fed off the deafening cheers from EYEKONS, KATSEYE’s devoted fanbase.
Eighteen-year-old Shahab Aldeeb of Harlem arrived at 3 p.m. the previous day, determined to secure a spot at the front of the crowd.
“I’ve been here since 3 p.m. because I’m truly committed,” Aldeeb told amNewYork. “I was going to be in the front for KATSEYE, and that’s what happened. I was in front for KATSEYE.”
KATSEYE performed at Rockefeller Center as a part of Today’s Citi Concert Series.Photo by Amanda Moses 
KATSEYE performed at Rockefeller Center as a part of Today’s Citi Concert Series.Photo by Amanda Moses
Aldeeb said KATSEYE’s journey resonates with him as a young performer pursuing his own artistic ambitions.
“I feel like they’re so relatable. As an 18-year-old, I feel like I can watch their live streams and genuinely watch their interviews,” he said. “And also as a performing artist, I feel like I can relate so much on a deeper level because, in a sense, we’re living the same life of becoming this huge grand artist and working every day to become something better.”
He added that watching the group grow has helped him navigate his own path.
“I feel like seeing these girls go on that journey just helps me figure out my path a little more,” Aldeeb said.
The release of WILD follows KATSEYE’s 2025 EP BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, which debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 and earned the group a GRAMMY nomination. The new project builds on that momentum while embracing a more liberated sound and identity.
The significance of seeing KATSEYE on a major stage was not lost on the fans, especially the many young children clutching their signs and photocards wide-eyed as they packed into Rockefeller Plaza.
Megan, Lara, Yoonchae, and Daniela of KATSEYEPhoto by Amanda Moses 
KATSEYE performed at Rockefeller Center as a part of Today’s Citi Concert Series.Photo by Amanda Moses
Thirteen-year-old Grace Hernandez and 30-year-old Mel Saenz arrived from New Jersey at 4 a.m., hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite group.
For Saenz, KATSEYE’s multicultural identity is a major part of its appeal.
“The reason why we like KATSEYE is because they talk about diversity, and we’re Latina, so it’s really important to see people who look like us on stage,” Saenz said.
Saenz, who is half Cuban, said seeing Daniela embrace her Cuban heritage has made the representation feel especially personal.
“KATSEYE is really important to me. Seeing Daniela, I’m half Cuban, and you know Cubans are not really represented in the media,” she said. “Seeing Daniela being so proud of being half Cuban like me is really nice to see. And also, we need more Cuban representation for sure.”
KATSEYE will take its new era on the road with THE WILDWORLD TOUR, launching Sept. 1 at Dublin’s 3Arena. The global arena tour sold out in less than 48 hours and includes two-night stands at The O2 in London, UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York, Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City.
KATSEYE will return to New York on Oct. 24 at the UBS Arena for their WILDWORD tour.
Photo by Amanda Moses 
Shahab Aldeeb arrived at 3pm the day prior to see KATSEYEPhoto by Amanda Moses 
KATSEYE performed at Rockefeller Center as a part of Today’s Citi Concert Series.Photo by Amanda Moses