Grammys Will Take Asian Music Category Criticism Into Consideration

When BTS announced their decision not to submit their latest album, ARIRANG, for consideration in the 2027 Grammy Awards, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The category was introduced to celebrate the depth, diversity, and growth of Asian pop music. Mason Jr. stated that the Grammy organization aims to serve all music communities and address concerns raised by artists about the category's representation. He acknowledged feedback from stakeholders, including artists, indicating dissatisfaction with how the category reflects their music. As a musician himself, Mason emphasized the importance of ensuring musicians feel their work is authentically recognized. The Recording Academy has previously demonstrated its ability to adapt quickly to community needs. The Board is committed to working together to improve inclusivity and ensure musicians feel truly heard. BTS did not explicitly criticize the category but expressed a broader concern about music being judged by region or language. The Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was added in June alongside four other genre-specific awards. It is designed to recognize artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, with significant use of Asian languages. Entry for the 2027 Grammys closes on August 21, with voting starting on October 12 and nominees announced on November 16. The awards will be held on February 7, 2026.