In an effort to defend the awards’ new 2027 Asian Pop category, Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr has taken to social media.
After the Grammy’s introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category sent shockwaves across the music industry, on Wednesday (7.29,) BTS said they would not be submit their hit comeback album, Arirang, for the 2027 Awards.
With some claiming that the category pigeonholes Asian artists, the announcement drew a mixed response from music fans, and hoping to mitigate the situation, Mason Jr attempted to clarify that the new category was not intended to single out K-pop artists, adding:
“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.” “I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists.” “More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand.”
Following the success of their latest LP and its lead single, ‘Swim.’ BTS was expected to be major contender in the top Grammys categories, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, However, the K-Pop supergroup would’ve been excluded from the newly announced category, Best Asian Pop Music Performance, due to their use of English lyrics.
During their career, BTS has been nominated for five Grammys but have yet to take home a trophy.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Samsung Saudi Arabia