BTS Declines Grammy Submissions Over New Asian Pop Category

BTS announced that the group will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards following the Recording Academy's introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, sparking fan debates over artist isolation.

By K-POP HUB Editorial

September 26, 20262 min readReport · 2 sources

Photograph via BANGTANTV

TL;DR BTS will not submit music for the 2027 Grammys following the addition of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

BTS will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards following the Recording Academy's establishment of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The announcement sparked concern among fans that a dedicated Asian pop category could isolate artists from top honors and reduce nominations in general fields. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated that the category celebrates the diversity and growth of Asian pop music. Mason clarified that entering a genre category does not prevent an artist from receiving nominations for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

According to Time, the Recording Academy revealed the category early this summer. Ethnomusicologist Stephanie Choi examined the decision in a Time essay on K-pop's standing in the American market. Choi linked modern Korean popular music to historical postwar American influences. She detailed how Korean entertainers previously performed at Eighth U.S. Army base shows and learned songs from the American Forces Korea Network.

UA.NEWS reported specific entry rules for the Asian Pop category. Compositions must feature an Asian language in a significant role, which excludes songs performed entirely in English. The Recording Academy also prohibits musicians from submitting different language versions of the same recording to separate performance fields. According to UA.NEWS, Choi stated that these restrictions create dilemmas for K-pop musicians who record songs in both Korean and English. Choi also questioned grouping K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop under a single banner. She observed that while BTS possesses the global reach to decline Grammy participation, other Asian artists lack that option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did BTS decide not to submit music to the 2027 Grammy Awards?

BTS announced its decision following the Recording Academy's introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

Can an artist in the Asian Pop category still receive nominations for major Grammy awards?

Yes, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. clarified that submitting work in a genre category does not exclude an artist from consideration for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

K-Pop Hub analysis

Interpretation by the K-Pop Hub desk, separate from the reported facts above. Based on: ua.news, time.com.

The Recording Academy's assurance that genre submissions do not preclude General Field nominations contrasts with fan concerns regarding category isolation.
high confidence · Based on: Some fans expressed concern that a separate Asian pop category could isolate artists from main nominations and reduce recognition in general awards.Harvey Mason Jr. clarified that submitting to a genre category does not exclude an artist from consideration for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.
What this does not show: This comparison does not show how voting members will actually treat Asian pop submissions during general field balloting.
The prohibition on submitting different language versions across separate categories complicates release strategies for artists producing bilingual tracks.
medium confidence · Based on: Rules for the Asian Pop category require an Asian language to play a significant role, excluding songs performed entirely in English.The Recording Academy does not allow different language versions of the same recording to be submitted to separate performance categories.Stephanie Choi stated that category rules create a dilemma for K-pop performers who release Korean- and English-language versions of the same song.
What this does not show: This implication does not indicate how many performers will choose the Asian Pop category over standard performance fields.