BTS pull out of 2027 Grammys after Recording Academy adds new Asian pop category

The Recording Academy's changed stance over its new Asian pop music category after K-pop superstars BTS opted not to submit music for consideration for the 69th Grammy Awards has shown the shifting dynamics between artists and award organizers, according to critics and industry figures. While acknowledging that such a boycott was possible only because it came from BTS, one of the world's most influential acts today, they say the controversy revealed a relationship in which award shows need artists with vast fandoms more than the artists need them. The Academy announced the Asian pop music category on June 16 as one of five new awards for the 69th Grammys, open to singles and tracks that make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. On July 29, all seven members of BTS posted identical statements saying they would not submit music for Grammy consideration, expressing hope that music could be heard and embraced for what it is, beyond region or language. As the row grew, Billboard reported Friday that the Recording Academy leadership consulted representatives across the K-pop, J-pop,

CEO Harvey Mason Jr says the Recording Academy is holding fresh talks after BTS’ withdrawal from the Grammys sparked concerns that the new Asian Pop category isn’t meaningfully celebrating artists’ work.

The organizer of the Grammy Awards hinted at a possible change to the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category following BTS’ refusal to submit its music for consideration. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammy Awards, released a statement addressing concerns over the new category on Friday, according to reports published Saturday by multiple outlets, including Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Rolling Stone. “It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create in the way they wish,” he said in his statement. “The management and Board are committed to working together to keep pace with that progress and ensure the musicians we intend to honor feel truly seen and heard by our actions.” Billboard reported that the Recording Academy may make changes to the controversial category. The controversy arose over

For Asian musicians, the Grammy Awards represent the ultimate dream and recognition of success in the global music industry long dominated by their Western counterparts. When BTS, widely regarded as the world’s most famous Asian pop act, decided not to submit their music for consideration at next year’s Grammys in an apparent protest against the creation of a new best Asian pop music performance category, it created a dilemma for their K-pop and regional peers. Should K-pop and Asian pop artists...

BTS said they wanted their music to be "heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages" The post Grammys may reconsider Asian Pop Award after BTS’ boycott: “Some artists feel this category isn’t representing the music they create” appeared first on NME.

The future of the Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy is now up in the air.