During this year’s BAFTA Awards, KPop Demon Hunters vocalist EJAE found herself in a surprising position on stage, one that caused her to second-guess her performance. The young singer recounted her experience in an interview with the U.K. newspaper the Times, where she candidly revealed how the presence of film star Leonardo DiCaprio impacted her nerves as she sang before a star-studded audience.
Performance Pressure
EJAE was one of the performers at the prestigious awards ceremony, where she sang “Golden,” the first K-pop song to win both a Grammy and an Oscar. She shared her anxiety stemming from the sight of DiCaprio right in front of her: “I made mistakes. I cracked a little bit on the high notes,” she admitted, noting that DiCaprio “was not smiling.” His serious demeanor, combined with the overall pressure of performing in front of high-profile celebrities, made for a nerve-wracking experience.
A Star-Studded Event
At the BAFTAs, DiCaprio was present as a nominee for his role in “One Battle After Another,” ultimately losing the award to Robert Aramayo of “I Swear.” EJAE performed alongside her fellow voice actors from the animated film, marking their first performance of “Golden” outside of the United States. While the BAFTAs do not feature a category for best original song, “Golden” would go on to secure the Oscar for Best Original Song, of which EJAE was a co-writer.
A Memorable Encounter
Awards season also brought EJAE an unforgettable moment when she met her idol, Beyoncé, at an afterparty. “I was beyond starstruck,” EJAE recalled. Jay-Z introduced himself as “Shawn,” and Beyoncé praised EJAE’s vocal talent, even acknowledging the song “Golden” by saying, “Yeah, my girls sing it.” The encounter bolstered EJAE’s joy during a season filled with accomplishments.
Looking Ahead
As the K-pop genre continues to gain recognition on international stages, “Golden” has set impressive milestones. With a sequel to “KPop Demon Hunters” in development, EJAE, along with her fellow performers Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, will have the opportunity to elevate their artistry even further. As EJAE reflects on her experiences, both challenging and triumphant, she looks forward to what lies ahead in her burgeoning career.
