Grammy CEO defends new Asian category after BTS protest

 Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. released a statement through the official Grammy social media accounts, saying he was “saddened” by BTS’ decision not to participate in the next Grammy awards but understood and respected their choice.

Mason addressed concerns surrounding the new Asian Pop category, saying it was created to highlight the growth, diversity, and achievements of artists from Asia rather than limit them.

 “More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters,” Mason said. 

He also clarified that artists entering a genre category such as Asian Pop, Jazz, or Country can still compete for the Grammys’ major General Field categories, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive,” Mason said, adding that artists can pursue both.

Mason added that the Recording Academy plans to continue expanding its global reach and recognizing artists from different backgrounds, languages, and regions while listening to feedback from the worldwide music community.

The global K-pop superstars, BTS, announced Wednesday that they will not submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards after the Grammys introduced new award categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance. 

Critics have questioned whether the category could unintentionally separate Asian artists from major award fields rather than expanding their opportunities.

BTS had been considered strong contenders for some of the Grammys’ biggest honors, including Album of the Year, following the massive success of their comeback album “ARIRANG,” which became one of the year’s best-selling releases.

In coordinated posts shared on their individual Instagram accounts, all seven members of BTS explained that they wanted music to be valued beyond borders and language.

“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the members wrote.

The group’s move has sparked discussion about whether the new category creates more opportunities for artists or places them into a separate space based on geography. 

BTS has performed at the Grammys three times and received several nominations, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, but they have never won a Grammy trophy.

The group’s Grammy journey began in 2020 when they became the first all-South Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 with their English-language global smash hit “Dynamite.” The song earned BTS their first-ever Grammy nomination.

The group recently completed their European tour and headlined a first-ever halftime show at the FIFA World Cup final in the United States. They will continue their World Tour Arirang with upcoming stops in Latin America, followed by Asia and Australia.