Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Grammy Academy Defends Asian Pop Category Amid BTS Withdrawal
BTS, a popular Korean pop group, said they will not enter this year’s Grammy Awards.
The Grammy organization, led by CEO Harvey Mason Jr., created a new Asian Pop award to honor music from Asia.
Mason explained that artists can still compete for top Grammy prizes even if they enter a genre category.
BTS said they want their songs to be enjoyed without being split by region or language.
The Academy said the new category is meant to celebrate diversity, not divide artists.
Both sides agree that music should be recognized for its quality.
The decision shows how awards are adapting to global music trends.
The Grammy Awards will still consider all eligible recordings, regardless of genre.
The new Asian Pop category is part of the Academy’s effort to include more artists worldwide.
BTS’s choice highlights the growing conversation about how awards honor international music.
BTS announced they will not submit music for this year’s Grammy Awards.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the newly created Asian Pop category.
Mason clarified that genre categories do not preclude artists from competing in General Field awards.
The Asian Pop category aims to recognize diverse pop music from Asia, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop.
BTS’s decision was motivated by a desire for their music to be heard without regional or language divisions.
- Who
- BTS and Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO
- What
- BTS declined to submit for the 2024 Grammy Awards; the Academy defended its new Asian Pop category
- When
- This year (2024)
- Where
- Washington, D.C., United States
- Why
- BTS wants their music heard without regional or language divisions; the Academy aims to broaden recognition of Asian pop artists
- Artist
- BTS
- Decision
- Not submitting for 2024 Grammys
- Category
- Asian Pop
- Recording Academy CEO
- Harvey Mason Jr.
- Album
- Arirang