Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Grammys Keep Asian Pop Category Despite BTS Boycott
The Grammys are planning a new award for Asian pop music.
The award is called Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
It is scheduled to appear at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Some people in the Asian music community criticized the idea.
BTS said music should not be separated by region or language.
The group also said it would not submit music for the 2027 Grammys.
The Recording Academy talked with artists and music leaders before deciding to keep the category.
Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said many music creators strongly supported it, although he knows the decision will not satisfy everyone.
The Recording Academy will proceed with its Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 Grammys.
The category was introduced in June 2026 and drew criticism from BTS and other Asian music community members.
BTS announced on July 29, 2026, that it would not submit music for Grammy consideration in 2027.
BTS said music should be heard and loved without being divided by region or language.
CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said consultations produced strong support and robust submissions, although the Academy acknowledged not everyone would agree.
- Who
- The Recording Academy, CEO Harvey Mason Jr., BTS, and members and leaders of the Asian music community.
- What
- The Recording Academy will retain and introduce its Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 Grammys despite criticism and BTS's decision not to submit music.
- When
- The category was introduced in June 2026; BTS announced its non-submission decision on July 29, 2026; the award is planned for the 2027 Grammys.
- Why
- The Academy said consultations and creator feedback supported keeping the category, while BTS and other critics argued that separating music by region or language could limit recognition.
Critics and BTS
Recording Academy
Separate category
Critics and BTS
BTS and other critics say dividing music by region or language could limit recognition and create a glass ceiling that keeps Asian artists from competing in major General Field categories.
Recording Academy
The Recording Academy says the category expands recognition of music from across Asia and reflects support from music creators.
2027 participation
Critics and BTS
BTS will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammys.
Recording Academy
The Academy will proceed with the category and says it has received strong or robust submissions.
- Category
- Best Asian Pop Music Performance
- Planned debut
- 2027 Grammy Awards
- Category announced
- June 2026
- BTS decision
- The group will not submit music for Grammy consideration in 2027.
- BTS statement
- BTS said music should be heard and loved rather than divided by region or language.
- Academy rationale
- Harvey Mason Jr. said listening sessions and discussions found strong support from music creators.
- Album detail
- The article says more than 80% of the lyrics on BTS's comeback album ARIRANG are in English.
