The Grammys Just Doubled Down On The Asian Pop Category Despite BTS' Objections — Here's What The CEO Said

Well, the Recording Academy has made its decision, and it is NOT going to make everyone happy. The Grammys' controversial new Asian Pop category is officially going ahead for 2027.

The Tea ☕

• Grammy chief Harvey Mason Jr. says the Asian Pop category will go forward at the 2027 ceremony, per Variety.
• Mason had previously signaled the Academy was reconsidering it after reactions to the June announcement were, in Variety's words, "decidedly split."
• BTS objected to the category and said they won't submit their music for Grammy consideration in 2027.

Wait, Back Up: What Happened?

The category was announced in June and immediately sparked a debate. Over the past several weeks, according to Variety, the Academy ran listening sessions and spoke with leaders in the Asian music community.

Mason's statement says the feedback was mixed: some people didn't support the category continuing, some had "inaccurate information" about it, and, in his words, the "loudest feedback" came from enthusiastic supporters. He also admitted: "We understand this conclusion will not satisfy everyone, and that never feels good."

The Academy also says it got a "robust" number of submissions in the category's first year, so there's clearly interest from artists.

BTS Said No Thanks

Here's the big one. BTS was vocal about their problem with the category, implying it effectively "ghetto-izes" a genre rather than highlighting it, per Variety.

The group's own statement said: "We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language." They also said they won't submit music for 2027.

The Bigger Debate

Variety notes this revives a familiar complaint about genre-specific Grammy awards: the intent may be to celebrate a genre or language, but plenty of people in those communities feel it can end up exclusionary, with artists relegated to a niche category instead of competing in the mainstream ones. The Latin Grammys have faced a similar complaint.

For context, Variety points out BTS has been nominated for Grammys five times without a win. Meanwhile, "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters is widely considered the first KPop Grammy win, taking best song written for visual media earlier this year.

So... Who's Right?

Supporters see a dedicated spotlight and a guaranteed place at the table. Critics see a box that keeps artists out of the big categories. Both sides have a point, and the Academy is clearly betting the supporters are the louder crowd.

Sources:

• Variety

Is a dedicated Asian Pop category a win for representation, or a way of keeping artists out of the main categories? Sound off in the comments.