Following the BTS decision to boycott the 2027 award ceremony, Grammys boss Harvey Mason Jr revealed that the Recording Academy is currently discussing the controversial Asian Pop category,
Admitting that the new category – introduced to spotlight pop artistry from across Asia – has not been as well received by some of the artists it aims to honor, in an recent interview with Billboard, Mason said the Academy had spent the past two weeks in “numerous conversations” with stakeholders who felt the category failed to represent their work in the way they hoped, adding:
“The Grammy organization exists to serve all music people, and part of that is working to ensure that no voice or community gets overlooked or misunderstood.” “It’s clear… that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish. As a musician myself, I take that to heart.”
Stressing that the organization is committed to ensuring musicians “feel truly seen and heard” by its decisions, the chairman confirmed that the Academy has shown it can “act decisively” when necessary.
Posting an identical statement criticizing the new category’s language requirement and arguing that music should not be judged by “region or language,” all seven BTS members – including RM, Jimin, V, Suga, Jungkook, Jin and J-Hope – confirmed they will not submit any tracks for next year’s Grammys.
“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,’ read their collective post.
Widely considered as a contender for Song of the Year, the boycott arrived despite ‘Swim,’ the K-Pop band’s recent US #1 single. Its English-language lyrics would have made it ineligible for the Asian Pop category, which requires “meaningful use” of an Asian language.
Mason Jr previously said he respected BTS’ decision but insisted the category was created to “expand” recognition, not divide artists.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: TaurusEmerald