Grammys CEO defends Asian Pop category after BTS declines to participate

The Recording Academy's chief has responded to BTS's decision to withhold their album Arirang from the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing objections to the newly announced Best Asian Pop Music category.

BTS stated their position clearly: "We hope music can be heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages." The seven-member group declined to submit to a category that requires "meaningful use of one or more Asian language" in eligible entries.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, acknowledged the group's stance with respect. "I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision," he said. However, Mason emphasised the category's intended purpose: to "celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia" and to "shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists."

Mason pushed back against the notion that the category divides the industry. "More categories mean more artists' work is recognised. It's never to divide, but to expand who is recognised by our 15,000 Grammy voters," he explained. He also clarified that artists submitting to the Asian Pop category remain eligible for major Grammy honours—Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year—meaning submission to a genre category does not preclude general field recognition.

The 2027 Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for 7 February. Submission deadlines run from 7 July through 28 August.