The global girl group KATSEYE took everyone by surprise when they appeared on stage at the Disney D23 Expo to perform a special rendition of the classic Hercules song “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)”. The group delivered the performance during the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The unexpected set quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the entire event.
KATSEYE members Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini, and Yoonchae Jeung took the stage to honor Susan Egan, who was being inducted as a Disney Legend that night. Egan originally voiced the character Megara in Disney’s 1997 animated film Hercules and also originated the role of Belle in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast.
A Surprise Tribute That Stole the Show
KATSEYE’s performance was not announced in advance, making it a genuine surprise for everyone in attendance. The group sang “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)”, one of the most beloved songs from the Hercules soundtrack, which Susan Egan originally performed for the animated movie. The choice of song held special meaning since the ceremony was honoring Egan for her decades of work with Disney.
The group used their vocal abilities to recreate the magic of the original track in a fresh way. While one member took on the role of Megara, the other members provided the background vocals, channeling the Muses from the film. This creative approach allowed them to capture the full spirit of the song, which in the movie features multiple vocal layers from the gospel-inspired Muses.
Susan Egan has had a remarkable career with Disney. She spent 25 years working for nearly every division of The Walt Disney Company as an actress and performer. She also spent the last seven years as an executive producer in partnership with Disney Concerts and Disney Cruise Line. In November 2025, she was named the official godmother of the Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Destiny.
Fans React with Pure Excitement
Social media platforms lit up immediately after KATSEYE’s performance. Fans, who call themselves EYEKONS, flooded Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms with praise for the group’s vocals and stage presence.
One fan wrote, “Please! Please! pleaaasseee!!! Upload the @katseyeworld LIVE VERSION of I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) from Hercules at SPOTIFY, Apple Music and iTunes. EYEKONS need it!!!!”
Another user shared, “This performance was pure Disney magic. KATSEYE really delivered.”
The Grammy Awards official Instagram account also took notice. They posted about the performance, saying, “Now that we’ve seen Grammy nominated @katseyeworld at D23 singing ‘I Won’t Say I’m In Love’ from Hercules, we can’t UNSEE them as the Muses. D23 was full of surprises.”
Fans on Korean social media platform Instiz also expressed their admiration. One post noted that KATSEYE received a standing ovation for their “angelic and beautiful” rendition of the song at the ceremony.
The Performance Details and Styling
The four performing members wore coordinated outfits that matched the Greek mythology theme of Hercules. They appeared in asymmetric white cutout crop tops and high-slit maxiskirts accented with gold hardware and draping. Their footwear also followed the theme, with members wearing gold gladiator-style sandals.
The performance was part of the Disney Legends ceremony, which is considered the highest honor Disney gives to individuals who have made significant contributions to the company’s legacy. This year’s inductees included Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Jonas Brothers, Jerry Bruckheimer, Bob Iger, Alan Tudyk, and others.
The ceremony was hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featured various tributes and performances celebrating all the honorees.
Absence of Two Members Noticed by Fans
While the performance received widespread praise, fans also noticed that two KATSEYE members were missing from the stage. Sophia Laforteza and Manon did not participate in the D23 performance.
Sophia is currently on a temporary hiatus from the group to focus on her mental health and well-being. She announced her hiatus in August 2026, and fans expressed sadness that she could not be part of the Disney event.
One fan wrote on social media, “It’s so sad Sophia can’t be at D23 to perform. She is such a Disney girl and she performed musical before. May be next time. I believe one day she would sing for a Disney movie.”
Another fan shared similar feelings, saying, “Katseye performed at D23, and Sophia, of all members, missed it. I feel so sorry for her. Singing alongside actual Disney legends? You know this is her dream. Poor girl.”
Manon went on hiatus earlier in February 2026 to focus on her health and well-being.
Comparisons to Other Covers and Unique Twist
Many fans and media outlets compared KATSEYE’s version to the cover that Ariana Grande performed from home in 2020 for a Disney special. However, KATSEYE had an advantage that made their performance special. Since they are a group, they could recreate the different vocal parts that make the song so unique in the film. This allowed them to present a fuller, more layered version of the track.
The Spanish media outlet LOS40 described the performance as “as fun as it is emotional” and noted that the group managed to “touch the nostalgic heartstrings of an entire Disney generation”.
Streaming Details and What Fans Can Expect
The full Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, including KATSEYE’s performance, will be available to stream on Disney+. The ceremony was originally broadcast on the streaming platform on the evening of August 16, 2026.
Fans who want to watch the full performance can find it on Disney+, where the entire event is now available for streaming. Clips of KATSEYE’s performance have also been circulating on social media platforms, with many fans sharing and commenting on the group’s impressive vocals.
KATSEYE’s appearance at D23 came just days after the group released their new EP titled “WILD” in August 2026. The EP includes songs like “Animal” and “Hootie Frutti”. The group, formed by HYBE and Geffen Records, debuted in 2023 and has been building a strong global fanbase ever since.
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A Night Full of Disney Magic
KATSEYE was not the only musical act at the ceremony. The Jonas Brothers were also honored as Disney Legends, with Vanessa Hudgens introducing them. Lin-Manuel Miranda received a tribute with a medley of his songs from Encanto, Moana, and other Disney films. The event was filled with memorable moments and surprises for Disney fans.
Also Read: KATSEYE Faces Harshest Music Review Yet as Critics Call New EP ‘RNG TikTok Fodder’
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