Why KATSEYE’s Manon Skipped Out on the 2024 MAMA Awards

Instagram/Manon Bannerman

KATSEYE is going viral for their stellar performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards, which included an incredible dance break featuring splits and a cheerleading theme! Despite the viral moment, fans couldn’t help but notice the usual six-member lineup was missing one member.

Keep reading for why Manon missed out on the big night:

Why Did Manon Skip the 2024 MAMA Awards?

On November 21, the day of the award ceremony in Los Angeles, KATSEYE announced that Manon Bannerman would not be joining the rest of the group at the ceremony “due to illness.”

“Unfortunately, due to illness, Manon will be unable to participate at this year’s MAMA 2024 Awards. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her joining KATSEYE members again soon,” the group posted on Weverse. “We apologize to every fan that was looking forward to seeing Manon perform and ask for your understanding.”

ICYMI, KATSEYE was formed through a competition program created by K-pop company HYBE and American label Geffen Records. Called Dream Academy, the members went through the rigorous K-pop trainee system, partaking in live performance challenges and voted for by fans, with the whole process being filmed for a Netflix documentary, released in August 2024.

The official lineup includes Manon, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Rajagopalan and Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong and Sophia Laforteza.

As KATSEYE’s popularity continues to rise, Lara shared her thoughts on their debut single, “Debut,” and its deeper meaning during an interview with Teen Vogue from June 2024.

“The central theme of ‘Debut’ is confidence,” Lara explained during a call from Los Angeles, which has become KATSEYE’s new base. “It’s about the unity we’ve developed as a group through our shared experiences. Our journey has been very public, so while this is officially our debut, we’ve been building this sisterhood for a long time. We want to convey that we are stronger together and that our bond makes us more powerful.”

She continued, “We hope listeners will connect with the song and feel inspired to join us in celebrating sisterhood, confidence, and empowerment. It’s all about being the best version of yourself and supporting each other.”

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