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Manon Bannerman announces temporary hiatus from the global girl group late Friday evening. The 23-year-old Swiss singer is stepping back from Katseye to focus on her health and wellbeing, the group confirmed in a heartfelt statement. The decision comes just weeks after the group’s breakthrough Grammy performance.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Announcement Date: February 20, 2026, via Weverse platform
- Manon’s Age: 23 years old, born June 26, 2002 in Switzerland
- Group Formation: During 2023’s Dream Academy reality competition show
- Grammy Status: Katseye nominated for Best New Artist at 2026 Grammy Awards
Global Star Steps Back from Six-Member Sensation
Katseye posted a statement on Weverse confirming that Manon Bannerman will take a temporary break from group activities. The message emphasized that the band “fully supports this decision” and that members had open conversations together before the announcement. Manon was the oldest member of the group.
The hiatus comes at a pivotal moment for Katseye, who recently performed “Gnarly” at the Grammy Awards and earned two major nominations. The group has been rising rapidly since their formation through the Netflix competition series “The Debut: Dream Academy.”
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The six-member band, based in Los Angeles, includes Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung. Despite Manon’s departure, the group will continue scheduled activities during this time. Katseye remains committed to supporting one another and their devoted fanbase known as “EYEKONS.”
In their official statement, the group expressed gratitude for their fans’ understanding. “We look forward to being together again when the time is right,” the notice read, leaving room for Manon’s eventual return to the lineup.
Grammy-Nominated Group Continues Forward
Katseye’s recent achievements have been extraordinary. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, they earned nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their hit “Gabriela.” Their breakthrough song “Gnarly” hit the Billboard Hot 100 last year, followed by additional chart successes with “Gameboy” and “Internet Girl.”
| Group Achievement | Details |
| Formation Year | 2023 via Dream Academy |
| Grammy Nominations | 2 nominations at 2026 Awards |
| Hit Songs | Gnarly, Gabriela, Internet Girl |
| Record Labels | HYBE and Geffen Records |
“After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing. We fully support this decision.”
— Katseye Official Statement, via HYBE and Geffen Records
Rising Pressure in Entertainment Industry
Health breaks have become increasingly important for artists in high-pressure entertainment environments. Pop and K-pop stars face immense demands balancing touring, recording, and media obligations. The global girl group industry has intensified attention on artist wellness in recent years, with several bands implementing member breaks for mental and physical recovery.
Manon rose to fame through social media, gaining followers on Instagram and TikTok before joining Dream Academy. Her journey from content creator to Grammy-nominated global star represents the speed of modern entertainment cycles, which can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
What Does Manon’s Hiatus Mean for Katseye’s Future?
The announcement uses the word “temporary,” suggesting this is not a permanent departure. Katseye’s management confirmed the group will continue performing without her during this period. Fans have responded supportively on social media, rallying behind both the group and Manon’s wellness priorities.
This pause comes during the group’s strongest moment commercially and critically. The hiatus demonstrates that even as artists achieve major milestones like Grammy nominations and chart success, personal health remains the priority. The question now centers on when Manon might rejoin her bandmates for future projects and performances.
Sources
- Variety – Official reporting on Manon’s temporary hiatus announcement and Grammy achievements
- Billboard – Coverage of Katseye’s Grammy nominations and group statement via Weverse
- Grammy.com – Information on 2026 Grammy nominations and Katseye’s achievements
