{
  "id": 1880029,
  "title": "Grammys reconsider Asian Pop category after BTS boycott",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/grammys-reconsider-asian-pop-category-after-bts-boycott-1880029",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T05:56:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2026/08/19/grammys-reconsider-asian-pop-category-after-bts-boycott/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Recording Academy is reevaluating its new Best Asian Pop Music category following the boycott of the 2027 Grammy Awards by the popular boy band BTS. Harvey Mason Jr, the chief executive of the organization behind the Grammys, revealed that the academy held discussions with artists and industry figures over the past two weeks, who felt the category did not adequately represent their work. This marks a shift from the academy's initial response, where Mason defended the category as a way to broaden recognition for Asian artists. \"The Grammy organisation exists to serve all music people,\" Mason told Billboard. \"It's clear that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn't representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish.\" The controversy stems from BTS's decision not to submit their music for consideration at next year's Grammys, citing the way the new category separates music based on geography and language. The group's seven members criticized the category for distinguishing music by region or language, which they felt hindered their ability to be heard and loved. The Best Asian Pop Music category, introduced as one of five new categories for the 2027 ceremony, aims to recognize contemporary pop music from or widely recognized in Asian markets. However, the requirement for eligible recordings to use one or more Asian languages became a central point of criticism after BTS's withdrawal. The group's latest album, Arirang, is predominantly in English, leading to backlash. The debate surrounding this category has sparked discussions about whether creating an Asia-specific category expands recognition or risks isolating artists already competing in a global pop market. Mason acknowledged respecting BTS's decision but emphasized the category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and growth of Asian pop artistry. He also noted that artists in genre categories remain eligible for major General Field awards at the Grammys. The controversy highlights a broader discussion about whether awards meant to improve representation might inadvertently categorize artists based on ethnicity, geography, or language. This debate has been prevalent at the Grammys, including Tyler, The Creator's criticism of black artists being pushed towards rap categories regardless of their music. The Recording Academy has not yet decided whether to modify the Best Asian Pop Music category before the 2027 ceremony, scheduled for February 7 in Los Angeles. Nominations are set to be announced on November 16.",
  "summary": "The Recording Academy is reconsidering its new Best Asian Pop Music category after boy band BTS withdrew from the 2027 Grammy Awards in protest at the award. Harvey Mason Jr, chief executive of the organisation behind the Grammys, says the academy has spent the past two weeks holding discussions with artists and other industry figures who believe the category does not adequately represent their…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Grammys reconsider Asian Pop category after BTS boycott",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/grammys-reconsider-asian-pop-category-after-bts-boycott",
        "published": "2026-08-19T05:56:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}