Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers Sing "Gotta Catch 'Em All" at Las Culturistas Culture Awards

by : Hideo Kojima

The recent Las Culturistas Culture Awards, broadcast on Bravo and now streaming on Peacock, featured a memorable moment where hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers captivated the audience with a full-throttle performance of the iconic Pokémon theme song, "Gotta Catch 'Em All." This lively act followed Pikachu's win of the coveted "The Las Cultch 30 Under 30" award, beating out other unique contenders. The event underscored the comedic duo's strong performance backgrounds and the enduring cultural impact of the Pokémon franchise.

Celebration of Pop Culture: Pikachu Takes Center Stage at Las Culturistas Culture Awards

Last night, at the vibrant Las Culturistas Culture Awards ceremony, held by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, a delightful homage to the beloved Pokémon franchise unfolded. Following the announcement of Pikachu as the recipient of "The Las Cultch 30 Under 30" award, the two hosts, known for their work on Saturday Night Live and various comedic ventures, launched into an enthusiastic live rendition of the timeless Pokémon theme song, "Gotta Catch 'Em All." The performance was enhanced by the unexpected appearance of Pikachu and backup dancers costumed as popular characters such as Leaf, Lyra, and Red from the video games, against a backdrop of original TV series footage. This display highlighted the duo’s theatrical talent and the deep affection many millennials hold for the series, a truth universally acknowledged by fans of the franchise.

The Las Culturistas Culture Awards, now in its fifth year and making its second appearance on Bravo, is celebrated for its satirical take on the traditional awards season. It features a host of whimsically titled accolades like "Best Space – Excellence in Outer Space" and "Yesssssssss!!!! Award for Girl We Learned About This Year (And Loved)," which inject humor into the often-stuffy format of award shows. While not all 100 awards could be presented during the broadcast, the evening was a testament to the podcast's playful spirit and its ability to connect with a broad audience through shared cultural touchstones like Pokémon.

This event serves as a charming reminder of how cultural phenomena like Pokémon continue to resonate across generations, bringing joy and a sense of shared nostalgia. The spontaneous and energetic performance by Yang and Rogers not only entertained but also solidified the place of "Gotta Catch 'Em All" as an unforgettable anthem, demonstrating the power of pop culture to unite and delight. It also highlights the innovative ways modern media, such as podcasts and satirical award shows, can celebrate and comment on contemporary culture.