After BTS declined Grammy entry, the Recording Academy hinted it may reconsider the new Asian pop category amid criticism.
August/15/2026 16:20Related Groups & Members
While BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) declared that they would forgo submitting entries for the Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy, which hosts the awards, reportedly suggested a reconsideration of the newly established “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category, drawing attention. According to Billboard, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement on the 14th (local time), “It has become clear that some artists feel they cannot speak for the music they created in the Asian pop category,” and added, “As someone from the music industry, I take this very seriously.” He continued, “The Recording Academy will continue to make efforts to ensure that musicians feel truly respected in line with the changing music environment.” Billboard interpreted this as meaning that the Grammys may reorganize the Asian pop category starting with next year’s awards ceremony. In June of this year, the Recording Academy newly established the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category. After that, criticism arose from some that K-pop and other Asian music had been excluded as a separate category and pushed out of the mainstream market. Then, all BTS members individually declared on their respective social media accounts that they would forgo submitting entries for the Grammys. It was regarded as an effective boycott and drew major attention. After BTS’s declaration, CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he respected their decision, but explained, “The Asian pop category was newly created to celebrate the depth and diversity of pop music produced in Asia, as well as its remarkable growth. The purpose of this new category is to give important artists a dedicated spotlight. More categories mean that more artists’ works will be recognized. This is not to separate artists, but to expand what can be recognized by the 15,000 Grammy voting members.” He further said, “Just because music is entered into a specific genre category such as Asian pop, jazz, or country does not mean it is excluded from entry into, or consideration for, the major awards (General Field), including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.” He emphasized, “These major categories apply to all eligible recordings regardless of genre. Evaluation in genre categories and evaluation in the major categories are not mutually exclusive, and artists can clearly aim for both fields.” ・BTS declares it will forgo entry into the Grammys... an effective boycott? ・In response to BTS’s boycott declaration... the CEO of the Grammys explains, “We respect their decision... we did not exclude Asia” ・Did BTS performance footage get removed from the Grammys official website? Suspicion arises
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