The Recording Academy reconsidering Asian Pop category after BTS pulls out of Grammys

The CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., has revealed that the organization behind the Grammy Awards is reconsidering the controversial Asian Pop category following BTS’ decision to boycott the 2027 awards. Mason acknowledged that the new category, introduced to spotlight Asian pop artistry, has not met expectations, with stakeholders criticizing its lack of representation. He stated the Academy spent two weeks consulting stakeholders who felt the category failed to adequately reflect artists' work. Mason emphasized the Grammy organization’s commitment to inclusivity, saying, 'It’s clear that, regardless of our intent, there are some artists in this space who feel this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish.' As a musician, he took this feedback seriously. The Academy has shown it can act decisively to ensure musicians feel truly seen and heard. Meanwhile, BTS confirmed they will not submit any tracks for next year’s Grammys. All seven members—RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin, and J-Hope—posted a unified statement criticizing the category’s language requirement, arguing that music should not be judged by region or language. Their message read: 'We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. We hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.' Despite Swim, their recent US number-one hit, being widely seen as a potential Song of the Year contender, its English lyrics would have disqualified it from the Asian Pop category, which requires meaningful use of an Asian language. Mason previously respected BTS’ decision but insisted the category was created to expand recognition, not divide artists.