As Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026 kicks off, pulling fans from across the world into its desert spectacle, Katseye delivered a night to remember on April 10. But just a day before their debut, the group flipped that excitement into something sharper, dropping their ‘Pinky Up’ video that stormed headlines not for its sound, but for what was missing. With only five members on screen, the absence of a fan favourite quickly took centre stage, turning the moment into one fans could not ignore.

Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, Yoonchae Jeung, and Manon Bannerman have always moved as one, their presence complete in every frame. But in the group’s recent release, Bannerman's absence quickly stood out, leaving fans wondering why their beloved member had stepped away from the moment. The group later clarified that she had taken a step back in February to focus on her health, confirming that Bannerman would be on a temporary hiatus from activities to prioritise her wellbeing.

“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,” the group announced in a notice on Feb. 20.

The group has also made it clear that they fully support her decision, standing firmly by her while reaffirming their commitment to each other and to the fans who mean everything to them. Meanwhile, Manon, 23, has also reached out to fans, expressing gratitude for their love and support.

“I’m really grateful for the patience and kindness everyone has shown during this time,”. she wrote on April 2.

However, as Katseye prepares to return on April 17, 2026, at the Sahara stage, this year is shaping up to be a defining moment for the group.

Katseye’s 2026 line-up promises to keep fans locked In

At the 68th Grammy Awards, Katseye marked a major milestone, earning nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for ‘Gabriela’, cementing their place among the most-watched new acts of the year. The moment further cemented their rapid rise, placing them among the most-watched new acts of the year. They also took the spotlight on February 1, 2026, performing ‘Gnarly’, a moment that added even more weight to their growing global momentum.

Building on that momentum, the group now looks ahead to a packed festival run following Coachella. Their schedule includes major stops like Governors Ball from June 5–7, Hinterland Music Festival from July 30 to August 2, and Head In The Clouds Festival on August 8. With each stage, Katseye continues to expand its reach, turning 2026 into a defining year for the group.

While Manon Bannerman remains on a temporary absence, Katseye looks set to keep 2026 just as electrifying for fans with its packed lineup and major stages ahead.

What are your thoughts on Manon Bannerman missing from the ‘Pinky Up’ music video? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui