Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. says he is saddened by BTS’ decision to not participate in the 69th Grammy Awards process after the group appeared to protest the introduction of a new category. Multiple outlets report that Mason issued a statement indicating he respects BTS’ choice while expressing disappointment that the band will not submit music for consideration. At the same time, Mason defends the Grammys’ rationale for creating the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. He says the category is intended to recognize and celebrate the depth, diversity and growth of pop music coming from Asia, and emphasizes that it is “never to divide.”
BTS’ move is widely described as a response to the new category, with the group saying they do not want to be “categorized by region or language,” according to reports. Coverage across outlets characterizes the situation as an apparent boycott, with BTS not explicitly detailing a formal reason for skipping participation. The Recording Academy’s response follows criticism that the category could lead to segregating music, which Mason addresses by framing the change as recognition rather than separation.
