©Rebecca Cabage/Invision/AP
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a music show about singers? If so, what did you enjoy about it? If not, what show would you watch?
- Do you know any music groups from different countries? If so, which ones do you like? If not, what kind of group would you want to see?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/
[adjective] – causing you to have fear or respect for something because it is large, powerful, or difficult
The mountain looked formidable because it was very high and steep. - unprecedented /uhn-PRES-i-den-tid/
[adjective] – never having happened or existed in the past
The city saw unprecedented snowfall this winter. - profound /pruh-FOUND/
[adjective] – felt or experienced strongly, or showing deep understanding.
The movie had a profound effect on me. - lucrative /LOO-kruh-tiv/
[adejctive] – producing a lot of money.
The new business turned into a lucrative opportunity. - innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a new idea or method, or the use of new ideas and methods
The company made an innovation in phone design.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In 2023, Hybe Corporation from South Korea and Geffen Records from the United States began a project to create an international girl group with global appeal. The process was shown in the Netflix series Popstar Academy: Katseye in 2024. By June of that year, the six-member group Katseye officially debuted. The members are Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung, representing South Korea, the Philippines, Cuba, India, and the United States. Their mixed background gave them a formidable identity that quickly attracted global audiences. Within one year, Katseye performed at Lollapalooza, released the EP Beautiful Chaos that reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, joined a viral Gap campaign, and gained an MTV Video Music Award. A world tour planned for November 2025 sold out instantly, proving the unprecedented demand for their music.
Analysts explained that Katseye’s rise showed a profound change in global pop culture. Industry observers described the group as both transformative and emblematic of cultural shifts. Still, challenges remain, such as protecting artistic authenticity while facing high public pressure. Members expressed interest in exploring raw and experimental concepts that display genuine emotion. Specialists noted that Katseye’s journey reflects the resonance of inclusive art, the tenacity needed to handle fame, and the spirit of today’s music world. Experts also highlighted the lucrative opportunities for multicultural acts and the compelling message of collaboration. Their success shows that innovation can reshape the international music scene.
Analysts explained that Katseye’s rise showed a profound change in global pop culture. Industry observers described the group as both transformative and emblematic of cultural shifts. Still, challenges remain, such as protecting artistic authenticity while facing high public pressure. Members expressed interest in exploring raw and experimental concepts that display genuine emotion. Specialists noted that Katseye’s journey reflects the resonance of inclusive art, the tenacity needed to handle fame, and the spirit of today’s music world. Experts also highlighted the lucrative opportunities for multicultural acts and the compelling message of collaboration. Their success shows that innovation can reshape the international music scene.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Which two companies started the Katseye project in 2023?
- Where was the process of creating Katseye shown in 2024?
- How many members are in Katseye?
- Which countries are represented by Katseye members?
- What gave Katseye a formidable identity?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a live concert? If so, what was it like? If not, would you like to go?
- Have you ever followed a music group from another country? If so, which group did you enjoy? If not, which group would you like?
- Do you agree that a mixed background can help music groups become stronger? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Katseye’s world tour sold out so quickly?
- How can innovation in music make a group stand out from others?