BTS skipping Grammys in apparent protest over new Asian pop category
BTS skipping Grammys in apparent protest over new Asian pop category
Antoinette Bueno, Carson Blackwelder Thu, July 30, 2026 at 2:53 AM UTC
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BTS are taking a bold stand against the Grammys over a controversial new category.
The Recording Academy announced the best Asian pop music performance category last month that will be introduced at the 2027 ceremony. The category “recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.”
But Wednesday, all seven of BTS’ members — Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook —announced on their individual Instagram Stories they’re not submitting themselves for consideration for any Grammys this elibility period.
“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year,” the message, written in Korean, reads. “I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language.”
They thanked “the Army” — the name of their fan base worldwide — and “everyone who is always with us.”
The members of BTS announced Wednesday on their Instagram Stories that they’re skipping the 2027 Grammys. They’re seen here at the 2019 ceremony.
The group (pictured above performing at the 2022 Grammys) is apparently protesting the new best Asian pop music performance category for next year’s ceremony. CBS via Getty Images
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. shared a statement to the Grammys’ official Instagram page Wednesday evening, writing that he’s “saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year,” but that he “understand[s] and respect[s] their decision.”
Of the controversy over the best Asian pop music performance category, he said “more categories mean more artists’ work is recognized” and is “never to divide.”
Mason Jr. reiterated that an artist submitting for a genre-specific category “does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered” in the general categories — like album of the year, record of the year and song of the year.
“Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre,” he explained. “Recognition in a general category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both.”
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Page Six reached out to the Recording Academy for comment, but didn’t receive an immediate response.
All seven BTS members (pictured above at the 2020 Grammys) shared in a statement, “We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year.” WireImage
The statement continued, “I hope music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region or language.” They’re seen here performing at the 2020 Grammys alongside Lil Nas X. Getty Images
The K-pop boy band’s withdrawal from next year’s ceremony will undoubtedly be a disappointment for their passionate fans worldwide. BTS was expected to be nominated for multiple Grammys this year for their massively successful album, “Arirang,” which dropped in March.
The group made history in 2021 when they became the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy nomination, earning a nod in the best pop duo/group performance for their hit “Dynamite.”
They’ve since earned four more nominations — best pop duo/group performance in 2022 for “Butter,” best pop duo/group performance for “My Universe” with Coldplay in 2023, best music video for “Yet to Come” in 2023, and album of the year (as a featured artist on Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres”) also in 2023.
They’ve performed three times — in 2020, 2021 and 2023 — at the annual awards show.
The group, seen here performing in March, still thanked their fans and everyone who has supported them. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
BTS, seen here performing at the halftime show of the World Cup Final earlier this month, were expected to earn multiple nominations for their 2026 album, “Arirang.” AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Other new categories added to the 2027 Grammy ceremony are best Latin song, best R&B collaboration or duo/group performance, best traditional pop vocal performance and best traditional folk album.
Mason Jr. said in a statement announcing the new categories, “2027 is going to be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we’re seeing across music.”
“The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it. We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the music people who are driving music forward.”
The 2027 Grammys will take place Feb. 7, airing on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
