The Recording Academy is reconsidering its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category following criticism from artists and BTS’ decision to skip the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed the review on August 14, saying discussions with artists, labels and music communities across K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and India raised concerns about how the category represents Asian music.
Introduced in June as one of five new Grammy categories, the award was designed to recognize Asia’s growing pop scene. BTS announced in July that it would not submit music for Grammy consideration, keeping its comeback album ARIRANG out of contention.
While BTS did not directly name the category, the group said it wanted music to be appreciated without being divided by region or language. Mason initially defended the category but has now acknowledged that some artists feel it does not represent their work as intended.
The Academy’s Board and Awards & Nominations Committee will now review the category and seek further input. The process for introducing new Grammy categories may also come under scrutiny.
The move signals a possible rethink of how the Grammys recognize Asia’s rapidly growing music industry.
BTS is currently performing their record-breaking Arirang World Tour, marking the group’s historic full-member return after completing their military service. The tour recently wrapped up a massive, sold-out two-night stop at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, following recent shows in Baltimore.
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