Grammys’ Asian Pop Category Will Go Forward at 2027 Ceremony, Recording Academy Confirms
CEO Harvey Mason, jr. acknowledges reactions were mixed, but says "the loudest feedback we heard was from people who were enthusiastic supporters."
The Recording Academy has announced that its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will continue to exist for the 2027 Grammy Awards. This decision was made just 11 days before the start of first-round voting for the prestigious music honor. The academy held discussions with industry leaders, artists, and representatives of the Asian music community over the past two months. They highlighted two key points of support for the category: community feedback and a high volume of submissions.
However, the academy acknowledges that the category, like all 99 others on the ballot, is subject to ongoing review. They have opened a dialogue about potential rule changes and eligibility requirements. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, jr. stated that while feedback was received from both supporters and detractors of the category, the majority of the positive response came from fellow music creators who encouraged its continuation.
The announcement comes seven weeks after BTS, a global K-pop sensation, decided not to submit their work for the 2027 Grammys in protest of the new category. They expressed their hope for music to be appreciated for its inherent value rather than being divided by region or language.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
