BTS snub forces Grammys to rethink controversial New Asian Pop category
The Recording Academy is walking back, or at least reconsidering, one of its newest Grammy categories , just two months after unveiling it with fanfare as a step toward greater inclusivity. At the center of the controversy is the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, introduced on June 16 as one of five new additions ahead of the 69th Grammy Awards. The category quickly drew criticism from…
The Recording Academy is reconsidering the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, introduced in June as one of five new Grammy categories, following backlash from fans. BTS, the group at the heart of the controversy, announced on July 29 that none of their music, including their latest album ARIRANG, would be submitted for the 2027 awards.
All seven members issued identical statements on their Instagram accounts, urging music to be appreciated for its merit, not divided by regional or linguistic boundaries. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged the category is under review, stating that some artists felt the category didn't accurately represent their work.
Grammy leaders are now consulting with K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and Indian music communities, including labels such as HYBE, BTS's own label. The Academy is convening its full Board of Trustees to address the issue. The timing is critical, as the submission deadline for the 2027 Grammys is August 21, with nominations on November 16 and the ceremony on February 7, 2027.
The category's eligibility criteria, which based awards on the presence of an Asian language in the track rather than the artist's nationality or ethnicity, also proved problematic, particularly for BTS whose latest album is primarily in English.
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