SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – APRIL 13: Sio, Saena, Aran and Keena of South Korean girl group Fifty Fifty … [+]
Every year, the U.S. music industry witnesses the rise of several new K-pop acts, some of which manage to achieve chart success. While many of these acts are eligible for Grammy nominations, only one group has earned recognition so far, and that is BTS. That said, it is only a matter of time before another K-pop soloist or band joins the septet in receiving Grammy nominations. This year, one particular group’s sudden success has positioned them as strong contenders in at least one specific category.
Fifty Fifty made their debut in late 2022, but it was in early 2023 that they released a song that would become their breakout global smash hit. Their single “Cupid” has taken many major markets by surprise, including the United States. The quartet’s track has garnered immense popularity not only among their devoted fan base but also through crossover appeal and support from platforms like radio and TikTok.
Despite the initial skepticism of some who were not familiar with K-pop or even the group themselves, “Cupid” managed to climb into the top 20 on the Hot 100 chart. The single even secured a spot on Billboard’s highly coveted Pop Airplay ranking, which is notoriously difficult to crack, especially for foreign acts.
With its remarkable success, “Cupid” has emerged as a potential contender for a nomination in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Grammy category. This year, the competition in this vertical appears to be relatively weak, as there are not many standout contenders that are surefire bets for nominations. This situation works in favor of Fifty Fifty, who might otherwise be overlooked by Grammy voters.
Historically, the Grammy voting body has skewed towards older demographics and has not always favored vocal groups—and certainly not K-pop bands—so should they receive a nod, it will make their recognition all the more significant.
If Fifty Fifty does earn a nomination in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, they will become only the second K-pop act to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of BTS. The South Korean male group has already appeared in this category three times for their singles “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “My Universe” with Coldplay. However, they have yet to secure a win, making the potential nomination of Fifty Fifty all the more exciting for the K-pop community.
In addition to being a groundbreaking achievement for Fifty Fifty, a Grammy nomination in any category would also make them the first K-pop girl group to receive such recognition. This milestone would not only be significant for the genre but also for all acts hailing from South Korea and the larger Asian music industry.
While “Cupid” is technically eligible for nominations in the Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories, securing a spot in these top categories seems like a serious stretch. Despite the song’s continued ascent on the Hot 100 and its increasing reach, it is unlikely to make the cut for these prestigious fields. The official nominations for the 2024 Grammys are expected to be announced later this year, and the eligibility window closes on September 15.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2023/06/19/grammys-2024-fifty-fifty-could-make-grammy-history-as-the-first-nominated-k-pop-girl-group/