The Recording Academy CEO responds to BTS decision not to submit to Grammys

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has responded to K-pop group BTS's decision not to submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. Mason Jr. expressed sadness but understanding for their choice, which the group stated was to ensure their music is heard and loved without regional or language division. This decision comes after the Recording Academy introduced a new "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category, which some fans perceived as a barrier. Mason Jr. clarified that the new category aims to celebrate Asian artistry and expand recognition, not to segregate artists, emphasizing that genre submissions do not preclude general field category consideration. BTS has been nominated for five Grammys but has not yet won.

Global K-pop group BTS announced on Wednesday that they will not be submitting their music for the upcoming Grammy Awards. This decision follows the Recording Academy's recent introduction of new categories, including "Best Asian Pop Music Performance." The South Korean group had been anticipated to contend for major Grammy awards, such as Album of the Year, following the commercial success of their album "Arirang." BTS members communicated their decision through coordinated posts on their individual social media accounts.

K-pop group BTS has announced they will not submit their album "Arirang" or its songs for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The seven members stated on Instagram that their decision stems from the Recording Academy's introduction of a new award for best Asian pop music performance. They expressed a desire for music to be appreciated for its quality rather than being divided by region or language. This move is seen as a response to concerns that the new category could limit Asian pop artists' opportunities in major Grammy categories, despite Asian and Latin pop markets being well-established. The Recording Academy has not yet commented on BTS's decision.

K-pop group BTS announced they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The seven members released a coordinated statement expressing a desire for their music to be appreciated for its content rather than regional or linguistic divisions. This decision follows the Recording Academy's recent introduction of five new Grammy categories, including a "best Asian pop music performance" category, which some fans perceived as creating a racialized barrier. BTS has received five Grammy nominations throughout their career but has not yet won an award. The group recently returned from a hiatus with their fifth studio album, "ARIRANG."