Who Are Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm? Meet Bruno Mars’ Nephews on America’s Got Talent 2026

When Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm stepped onto the America’s Got Talent 2026 stage, many viewers immediately noticed one detail: they’re the nephews of global music star Bruno Mars. But by the end of their audition, it was clear the attention wasn’t staying on their famous connection for long. With polished harmonies, confident stage presence, and an original performance that quickly attracted attention online, the duo emerged as one of the early auditions, generating strong viewer interest

Their appearance sparked instant curiosity as audiences rushed to learn more about the young performers behind the buzz. More than just a family name, Nyjah and Zyah showcased their own identity as rising artists, blending musical talent, confidence, and natural charisma into a performance that left a lasting impression. As their fanbase continues to grow, America’s Got Talent may prove to be only the beginning of a much bigger journey.

Who Are Nyjah Music And Zyah Rhythm?

Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm are Hawaiian brothers and emerging musicians who gained national attention after performing their original song “Heartbeat” on America’s Got Talent 2026. They are also the nephews of Bruno Mars and the sons of professional surfer Billy Kemper.

Nyjah Music And Zyah Rhythm Perform Original Song ‘Heartbeat’ On America’s Got Talent

When Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm stepped onto the America’s Got Talent 2026 stage, they looked like two talented brothers chasing a dream. What viewers did not know was that the Hawaiian teens were carrying a surprising family connection. The duo did not emphasise their family connection to Bruno Mars during the audition, instead allowing the performance and original song to take centre stage.

The brothers, ages 16 and 15, delivered a heartfelt performance of their original power ballad, "Heartbeat," showcasing impressive vocal harmonies and emotional storytelling. Raised on Oahu’s North Shore, Nyjah and Zyah have been surrounded by music from an early age. Their mother, Tahiti Hernandez-Kemper, who is Bruno Mars' sister, proudly watched from backstage as her sons took a major step toward their own musical journey.

Adding to their unique story, "Music" and "Rhythm" are not stage names but their actual middle names. Despite their young age, the brothers are no strangers to the entertainment industry. They previously worked on a cover of Elvis Presley’s "Burning Love" for Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch, a project produced by their famous uncle.

Their AGT audition quickly became one of the season’s most talked-about moments. The emotional performance earned praise from all four judges and secured unanimous yes votes. Howie Mandel compared their fresh sound and artistic style to former AGT winner Grace VanderWaal, while Sofia Vergara described the performance as magical. Even Mel B, who had mixed feelings about the songwriting, applauded the brothers' remarkable vocal chemistry, while Simon Cowell praised their natural talent and welcomed them to the next round. Their four yes votes moved them into the show’s callback stage, part of the current AGT competition structure, before live show selections are made.

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The overwhelming audience response did not stop when the audition ended. Building on the momentum of their breakout moment, Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm continued to attract attention beyond the AGT stage as audiences sought more of their original music. With growing visibility and national exposure, the brothers are quickly proving they are much more than Bruno Mars’ nephews. With talent, determination, and growing national recognition, the brothers are quickly proving they are much more than Bruno Mars’ nephews.

Tahiti Hernandez Kemper and Surfer Billy Kemper Star-Studded Lineage

Nyjah and Zyah come from a family shaped by both music and surfing. Their mother, Tahiti Hernandez-Kemper, is Bruno Mars’ sister, while their father, Billy Kemper, is known internationally for big-wave surfing. Growing up on Oahu’s North Shore exposed the brothers to both performance and competitive discipline from an early age.

On one side stands the Hernandez family, a deeply musical bloodline that includes Tahiti’s brother, global superstar Bruno Mars, as well as siblings who have all contributed to the entertainment world in different ways, from touring musicians to vocal performers. On the other side is Billy Kemper, a world champion big-wave surfer known for conquering some of the most dangerous waves on the planet and making an extraordinary comeback after life-threatening injuries that cemented his reputation as one of surfing’s toughest competitors.

Together, Tahiti and Billy are raising a new generation of talent in their four sons, who reflect both sides of this extraordinary heritage. From musical creativity and vocal ability to natural ocean confidence and surfing ambition, the Kemper family continues to evolve as a symbol of rhythm, resilience, and raw talent passed down through generations.

Bruno Mars Production Studio Ties and Lilo and Stitch Soundtrack

The connection between Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) soundtrack and Nyjah and Zyah’s musical journey extends beyond a single recording. One of the notable links was Bruno Mars’ involvement in producing their version of Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love,” which helped turn the collaboration into an opportunity to introduce the brothers to a broader audience while highlighting their family’s musical roots.

One of the most talked-about moments from the soundtrack is the reimagined version of Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love,” produced under Mars’ careful studio direction for Walt Disney Studios. The track highlights the vocals of Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm, whose performances reflect both raw talent and disciplined studio refinement, guided by their uncle’s hands-on approach.

The collaboration introduced the brothers to a larger audience and connected family influence with a professionally produced release. Mars focused on tight harmonies, layered vocal textures, and clean rhythmic balance, ensuring the song retained its island soul while feeling polished for a modern audience. The collaboration ultimately stands as a full-circle creative moment, where family legacy, Hawaiian influence, and world-class studio precision come together in one cohesive sound.

Why Howie Mandel Compared Nyjah And Zyah To Grace VanderWaal

The moment Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm stepped off the America’s Got Talent stage, one comparison immediately stood out from the judges’ panel, drawing a clear line back to one of the show’s most iconic winners. Judge Howie Mandel was quick to compare the brothers to former champion Grace VanderWaal, a parallel that carried extra weight given his history with her as the person who famously earned his Golden Buzzer in 2016.

That connection was more than just a passing remark and instead reflected the very beginning of the brothers’ journey to the America’s Got Talent stage. As children, Nyjah and Zyah watched Grace VanderWaal rise to fame after her Season 11 victory, in which her original songs and ukulele performances redefined what young artists could achieve on national television. That moment became a defining spark for them, inspiring them to start writing their own music and eventually develop the emotional storytelling style that led to their original ballad “Heartbeat,” which they performed years later on the same stage.

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During their audition, judge Howie Mandel reinforced this full-circle narrative by recognising the same indie-pop sensitivity, emotional honesty, and unconventional artistry that first made VanderWaal a global breakthrough star. By choosing to perform an original song rather than a familiar cover, the brothers followed a similarly fearless path, prioritising authenticity over safety. In doing so, they did more than reference a past winner. They positioned themselves within a continuing lineage of young artists who turn vulnerability and originality into lasting success.

Independent Talent Hustle and Nepo Baby Television Package Debate

After the audition aired, the discussion online expanded beyond the performance itself. Some viewers focused on the brothers’ harmonies and songwriting, while others debated how existing industry connections influence opportunities on major television platforms.

Supporters of the brothers focus on what they see on stage, emphasising that their four yes votes were earned purely through performance. They point out that Nyjah and Zyah deliberately chose not to mention their famous uncle during the audition, wanting the spotlight to remain entirely on their own voices and songwriting. Many also highlight their grassroots rise on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where they built an audience through stripped-back covers of Hawaiian music, R&B, and acoustic originals. For these fans, their tight harmonies and emotional delivery are skills that cannot be manufactured by fame alone.

On the other side, critics argue that their story fits into a more privileged version of the “underdog” narrative. They note that the brothers already had access to high-level production support, including studio guidance from their uncle and early professional credits such as contributing to a Disney soundtrack project for Lilo & Stitch. Some also point to commercial opportunities, such as brand campaigns that existed before their AGT debut, suggesting they entered the show with advantages most contestants never have. From this perspective, the debate is not about talent, but about how the industry frames success when connections already exist.

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In the end, the contrast between these two viewpoints has only amplified their visibility. Whether seen as self-made rising artists or beneficiaries of a powerful entertainment network, Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm have become a focal point of discussion about what “independent talent” really means in today’s music and television landscape.

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