Archive · 30 Jul 2026
BTS Skips 2027 Grammys Over New Asian Pop Category
Last year, the big music awards called the Grammys added a new prize for Asian pop music.
A popular Korean group called BTS said they would not enter the awards this year because they think the new prize might separate Asian singers from the rest.
BTS’s newest album has many English songs, so it wouldn’t qualify for the new Asian pop prize.
The Grammys boss, Harvey Mason Jr., said he was sad about BTS’s choice but explained that the new prize is meant to honor Asian pop, not to split it off.
He also said that singers can still try for the main awards even if they win a genre prize.
The Grammys ceremony will happen on February 7, 2027, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Fans and critics are split on whether the new prize is fair.
BTS wants music to be judged by its sound, not by where it comes from.
The Grammys are trying to include more kinds of music from around the world.
BTS announced they will not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing protest against the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The new category, unveiled on June 16, requires a meaningful use of an Asian language, disqualifying BTS’s English‑heavy album ARIRANG.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he is “saddened” by BTS’s decision but clarified the category is meant to celebrate Asian pop, not divide artists.
Mason emphasized that artists can still compete in the General Field; genre and general categories are not mutually exclusive.
The 69th Grammy Awards will take place on February 7, 2027, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
- Who
- BTS and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
- What
- BTS announced they will not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, protesting the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
- When
- Announcement on July 29, 2026; awards on February 7, 2027.
- Where
- Announcement via Instagram; awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
- Why
- BTS wants music judged by merit, not region or language; they protest the new category’s language requirement.
- Event
- 69th Grammy Awards
- Date
- February 7, 2027
- Venue
- Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- New Category
- Best Asian Pop Music Performance
- BTS Decision
- Not submitting music
- Recording Academy CEO
- Harvey Mason Jr.
- BTS Album
- ARIRANG
Sources
Grammys CEO breaks silence as BTS skips submission amid new Asian pop award category: Controversy explained
Grammy CEO breaks silence on BTS snub, says he’s ‘saddened’; but here’s what he wants fans to know
BTS Pulls Out of Grammys After Asian Pop Category Introduction