The Recording Academy confirms that the Grammys’ new “Asian Pop Music Performance” category will proceed at the 2027 ceremony, despite public backlash following its June announcement. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. says the Academy is moving forward with the category and is addressing concerns raised by some artists and fans.
Mason acknowledges reactions are mixed, but he argues the strongest feedback the Academy received came from supporters of the category. In statements reported by multiple outlets, he says the Academy understands that the decision will not satisfy everyone. The discussion comes after the controversy sparked calls for reconsideration or changes to the new category.
Across the reporting, the outlets focus on the same outcome—no reversal of the category for 2027—while emphasizing different aspects of Mason’s messaging. Billboard and Rolling Stone highlight his description of supporter feedback, while Variety frames the decision as a response to prior signals that the Academy might reconsider following the split response. None of the outlets indicate the category is being removed or delayed.
