After a six-year wait, K/DA are finally making their long-awaited return to the music scene.
Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, has officially announced the comeback of its hugely popular virtual pop group K/DA, bringing Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai'Sa back together for a new single titled "FIRESTARTER", accompanied by a music video from acclaimed animation studio Fortiche Production.
The announcement marks the group's first major musical release since their ALL OUT EP in 2020, which followed their explosive debut with "POP/STARS" in 2018. Since then, K/DA have amassed more than 2.7 billion global streams and 1.8 billion video views, establishing themselves as one of the most successful virtual music acts to emerge from gaming.
Their comeback is shaping up to be a busy one, with a new EP arriving on 30 October and a live performance scheduled for the League of Legends World Championship 2026 Opening Ceremony in November.
What is FIRESTARTER by K/DA?
"FIRESTARTER" is K/DA's latest single and the title track of their upcoming four-song EP, marking a new musical direction for the group while retaining the identities of its four original members.
The single also comes with an official music video directed and produced by Fortiche Production, the French animation studio behind Riot Games' Emmy Award-winning animated series Arcane and K/DA's original "POP/STARS" music video.
For their return, Riot Games and Fortiche have given K/DA a more mature, fashion-forward aesthetic, drawing inspiration from haute couture and high-energy runway performances. "Bringing K/DA back was a joy for the whole artistic team," said Marietta Ren, Director at Fortiche. She explained that the studio wanted the group's return to feel more mature and fashion-forward, combining haute couture with fiery energy as K/DA enter their next era.
Maria Egan, Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games, also discussed the creative direction behind the group's comeback. "With the FIRESTARTER EP, we wanted to respect what made people fall in love with K/DA while giving Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa the space to evolve as artists after all this time," Egan said. She added that the EP would feature a diverse collection of songs reflecting the individual journeys of its four members, along with a new look and attitude for the group.
Who are the artists behind K/DA's FIRESTARTER comeback?
K/DA's comeback brings back two familiar voices from their original lineup, alongside two new artists taking on the roles of Evelynn and Kai'Sa.
i-dle's SOYEON returns as Akali
SOYEON, rapper and lead producer of South Korean girl group i-dle, is reprising her role as K/DA's Akali. One of the most recognisable voices from the group's debut, SOYEON previously performed on "POP/STARS" and returned for the ALL OUT era. She was also part of Riot Games' virtual hip-hop group True Damage, where she voiced Akali in "GIANTS".
Outside of her work with Riot Games, SOYEON is known for her songwriting, production, and rap performances with i-dle, as well as her solo music career.
i-dle's MIYEON returns as Ahri
Joining SOYEON is fellow i-dle member MIYEON, who returns as K/DA's leader and vocalist, Ahri.
MIYEON has been part of K/DA since "POP/STARS", lending her vocals to the group's debut alongside SOYEON, Madison Beer, and Jaira Burns. She also returned for the ALL OUT EP in 2020. Beyond K/DA, MIYEON has continued her music career with i-dle while also establishing herself as a solo artist and actress.
Sophie Powers joins K/DA as Evelynn
Singer, songwriter, and fashion designer Sophie Powers is joining K/DA as Evelynn, taking over a role previously performed by Madison Beer and Bea Miller.
Known for combining music with bold fashion and visual concepts, Powers brings her distinctive creative style to K/DA's new direction. Her work also extends beyond music, including fashion collections, stage design, and outfits for other artists.
Mimi Webb joins K/DA as Kai'Sa
British singer-songwriter Mimi Webb completes K/DA's new lineup as Kai'Sa, the group's lead dancer and choreographer. Webb, who has received a BRIT Award nomination, is known for her expressive vocals and emotionally driven pop music. She takes over the role previously voiced by Jaira Burns and Wolftyla.
Her inclusion introduces another established pop artist to K/DA's international lineup, joining the returning voices of MIYEON and SOYEON alongside Sophie Powers.
When is K/DA's FIRESTARTER EP coming out?
K/DA's new EP, FIRESTARTER, will be released on Friday, 30 October 2026, featuring four tracks performed by the group's new lineup. The EP follows the release of its title track, "FIRESTARTER", on 20 October, marking K/DA's first major musical comeback since ALL OUT in 2020. Alongside the digital release, Riot Games is introducing physical editions of the EP, including several limited-edition CD variants and vinyl records, with pre-orders opening alongside the new single.
What songs are included in K/DA's FIRESTARTER EP?
K/DA's FIRESTARTER EP will feature four songs, including its title track and a collaboration with DJ Sona, another virtual artist from the League of Legends universe.
The complete FIRESTARTER EP tracklist is:
- FIRESTARTER
- WATCH ME
- NEVER GOING BACK
- GIRLS (with DJ Sona)
DJ Sona returns after 11 years for K/DA's FIRESTARTER EP
K/DA aren't the only virtual music act making a comeback, as DJ Sona is also returning to the spotlight for the first time since 2015. The virtual DJ and music producer, based on the League of Legends champion Sona, will collaborate with K/DA on "GIRLS", the fourth and final track of the FIRESTARTER EP.
DJ Sona was originally introduced in 2015 as an alternate version of Sona, transforming the champion into an electronic dance music performer. Riot Games previously worked with electronic artists including The Crystal Method, Dada Life, and Pretty Lights to bring her musical identity to life. Her appearance on FIRESTARTER marks her return as a virtual musical artist after more than a decade, bringing together two of Riot Games' established music projects.
When will K/DA perform at Worlds 2026?
K/DA will take the stage at the 2026 League of Legends World Championship Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 14 November, at Barclays Center in New York.
The group will be joined by Riot Games' virtual hip-hop collective True Damage, marking another major appearance for the developer's music projects on the biggest stage in competitive League of Legends.
