The Grammys will keep the controversial Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for 2027 after consulting with music leaders.
October/2/2026 17:47Related Groups & Members
The Grammy Awards revealed that it will keep the controversial "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category as is. On October 1, local time, according to a report by U.S. media outlet Variety, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammy Awards, confirmed in a statement that the relevant category will be maintained for the 2027 Grammy Awards. Previously, the Recording Academy announced the creation of the "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category. After that, BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) declared that they would not submit their music to this year’s Grammys, saying, "We hope music will be listened to and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language." As voices also arose pointing out that separating K-pop into a different category could be excluding it from the mainstream market, the Recording Academy was reported to have suggested reconsidering the category, drawing attention. Harvey Mason Jr. explained, "Over the course of several weeks, the Academy created a forum to listen and held repeated discussions with leaders in the Asian music world." He continued, "In this process, we also heard candid opinions from people who did not support the continuation of this category. We also heard from people who did not have accurate information about the category, and it was meaningful that we were able to create a place to clear up misunderstandings." He then emphasized, "However, above all, the voices that came through most strongly were those of music creators who actively supported this category and encouraged its continuation." He stated, "We understand that this conclusion will not satisfy everyone. It is not something comfortable. At the same time, we are convinced that this is the right conclusion for the music industry as a whole." He said, "Going forward, as with all categories, we will continue to engage in ongoing dialogue with the music world and strive to honor all music, including Asian pop, in the best possible way. We look forward to the day when we can celebrate the nominees in the Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 Grammy Awards ceremony." ・In response to BTS’s boycott declaration... the CEO of the Grammys explains, 'We respect their decision... we did not exclude Asia.' ・BTS declares non-participation... overseas media reports draw attention as the Grammys suggest reviewing the newly created category.
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