The Recording Academy is taking another look at its controversial new Asian pop category after BTS announced that they would not submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
On August 14, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. revealed that the organization has been speaking with people from across the Asian music industry over the past two weeks.
Now, the Academy’s full Board and Awards & Nominations Committee will work with members and leaders from the Asian music community to further discuss the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The goal is to make sure the category is handled appropriately during its first year and determine how Asian pop music should be recognized at future Grammy ceremonies.
The Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was announced in June as one of five new categories for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The Recording Academy is taking another look at its controversial new Asian pop category after BTS announced that they would not submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
On August 14, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. revealed that the organization has been speaking with people from across the Asian music industry over the past two weeks.
The discussions have included artists, labels, managers, and representatives from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and the Indian music industry. According to the Academy, HYBE has also been involved in the conversations.
Now, the Academy’s full Board and Awards & Nominations Committee will work with members and leaders from the Asian music community to further discuss the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The goal is to make sure the category is handled appropriately during its first year and determine how Asian pop music should be recognized at future Grammy ceremonies.
It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks 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. — Harvey Mason Jr.
The announcement comes shortly after BTS revealed on July 29 that they would not submit their recordings for Grammy consideration this year.
The Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was announced in June as one of five new categories for the 2027 Grammy Awards. And the announcement sparked major backlash from fans.
