HOLR HIGHLIGHTS
The key details readers need to know.
- The Recording Academy has responded after BTS announced it will not submit its music for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
- CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he respects the group’s decision while clarifying the purpose of the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
- The discussion has reignited debate among fans about how global artists should be recognized at the Grammys.
July 30, 2026
The Recording Academy is addressing growing debate after BTS announced they will not submit their music for Grammy consideration, saying the new Asian Pop category was created to expand recognition—not limit it.
The conversation surrounding BTS and the Grammy Awards isn’t slowing down.
Just one day after BTS revealed they would not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy has publicly responded, acknowledging the group’s decision while addressing the criticism surrounding its newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
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Rather than criticizing BTS, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. struck a respectful tone, saying he understands why the group made its decision even though he was disappointed to hear it.
“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision.”
Why BTS Chose Not to Submit
BTS announced earlier this week that they would not enter their comeback album, ARIRANG, or any of its songs into the Grammy Awards process. The group said they want their music to be appreciated for what it is rather than being separated by region or language.
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Their decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced five new Grammy categories for 2027, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance. While some fans welcomed the addition as long-overdue recognition for Asian artists, others argued that it risks placing Asian musicians into a separate lane instead of allowing them to compete alongside all artists in the main categories.
The Grammys Explain the New Asian Pop Category
In his statement, Mason said the purpose of the new award has been misunderstood.
He explained that the category was created to celebrate the growth, diversity and influence of Asian pop music around the world—not to separate artists from the rest of the field.
Credit: Instagram/Grammys
According to Mason, adding more categories simply means more musicians have the opportunity to be recognized by Grammy voters.
He also stressed that entering music into the Asian Pop category does not prevent artists from competing for the night’s biggest awards.
That means artists remain eligible for major honors such as:
- Record of the Year
- Album of the Year
- Song of the Year
even if they are also considered in the Asian Pop category.
A Debate Bigger Than One Award
The discussion has quickly moved beyond BTS.
Across social media, fans continue to debate whether creating region-specific categories offers greater visibility or unintentionally separates artists based on geography rather than artistry.
Credit: Instagram/Grammys
Supporters of the new category believe it gives Asian pop artists another opportunity to be recognized at music’s biggest awards.
Critics, however, argue that artists should compete based solely on their music instead of being grouped by where they come from or the language they perform in.
What’s Next?
Despite choosing not to participate in this year’s Grammy Awards process, BTS remains one of the most successful groups in Grammy history without a win, having earned multiple nominations over the years while helping bring K-pop further into the global mainstream.
BTS Makes History at the Grammys
For now, the group’s decision has sparked one of the biggest conversations leading into the 2027 Grammy Awards. Whether that discussion leads to future changes remains to be seen, but it has already prompted the Recording Academy to publicly explain why it believes the new category was created to celebrate Asian artists—not separate them.
FAQs
Why is BTS not participating in the 2027 Grammy Awards?
BTS announced it will not submit its music for Grammy consideration, saying it wants its music to be recognized without being divided by region or language.
What did the Recording Academy say about BTS’ decision?
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was saddened by the decision but respected the group’s choice and wanted to clarify the purpose of the new Asian Pop category.
What is the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category?
It’s a new Grammy category introduced for the 2027 awards to recognize excellence in Asian pop music, including genres such as K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.
Can artists still compete for Album of the Year if they enter the Asian Pop category?
Yes. The Recording Academy says artists who submit in the Asian Pop category remain eligible for General Field awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Has BTS ever won a Grammy?
No. BTS has received multiple Grammy nominations but has not yet won a Grammy Award.