They are contenders for 'Best New Artist (K-pop)' and 'Favorite TikTok Dance'.
This achievement reflects CORTIS's success in the global music market.
[TV Daily Han Seo-yul Reporter] The group CORTIS has made a significant mark by being nominated for the first time at an American music award show. They are nominated for 'Best New Artist (K-pop)' at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Additionally, their debut album's intro track 'GO!' has also joined the nominations for 'Favorite TikTok Dance,' competing against artists such as Taylor Swift. CORTIS is the only K-pop boy group nominated in this category.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards is a prestigious music award show in the U.S., established in 2014, which recognizes artists and songs that have received the most plays on the iHeartRadio platform over the past year. The 2026 awards ceremony will be broadcast live on March 26 via the FOX network. This nomination is a reflection of CORTIS's achievements in the global music scene, as their first album 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' reached 15th place on the Billboard 200 chart.
The track 'GO!' has gained immense popularity through dance challenges, earning its place as a global hit, with over 210,000 videos on TikTok utilizing the song. On Spotify, they achieved the milestone of 100 million streams the fastest among K-pop boy groups. Additionally, CORTIS has been chosen as the headliner for the 'NBA Crossover Concert' in Los Angeles on February 12, further establishing their accomplishments as K-pop artists.
CORTIS’s nomination is a significant moment that symbolizes a shift in the K-pop industry. Their fresh musical style and intense performances have captivated fans across the globe, increasing the international recognition of K-pop. It is evident that K-pop is no longer just a trend but has established itself as a prominent genre in the global music market.
Moreover, the success of 'GO!' reflects the impact of social media platforms like TikTok on the promotion and dissemination of music. As younger generations discover and enjoy music through these platforms, artists need to adopt new strategies. CORTIS has effectively leveraged this, resulting in enhanced global recognition.
Finally, CORTIS being selected as the headliner for the NBA Crossover Concert indicates that they have the potential to make an impact in the U.S. market. This not only proves that K-pop artists are solidifying their place on the global stage but also raises expectations on how their performance will positively impact fans.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Big Hit Music
