Grammys Confirm Asian Pop Category Despite BTS and Stray Kids Boycott
The Recording Academy has confirmed that the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will debut at the 2027 Grammy Awards, despite significant backlash from major K-pop acts. BTS and Stray Kids have both declined to submit music for consideration, citing concerns that the category segregates artists by region. While the Academy cites strong support from the broader music community, the absence of top-tier K-pop groups leaves the nomination race wide open for artists from Japan, China, and the Philippines.
Key points
- Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed the Asian Pop category will proceed for the 2027 ceremony after listening sessions with industry leaders.
- BTS and Stray Kids have officially declined to submit music for the 2027 Grammys, joining a boycott of the new category.
- BLACKPINK is ineligible for the category because their recent songs are in English, violating the requirement for meaningful use of an Asian language.
- Potential nominees include Kenshi Yonezu, Miist, aespa, and SB19, with submissions confirmed by Sony Music Philippines and others.
- The category requires recordings to feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, excluding fully English-language tracks.
Background
The Recording Academy announced the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category in June 2026 as part of its 2027 ceremony updates. The move sparked immediate controversy, with critics arguing it ghettoizes Asian music rather than celebrating it. BTS announced on July 29 that they would not submit their album 'Arirang' or any other works, stating they hoped music would be judged without regional divisions. The eligibility period for the 69th Grammys ran from August 31, 2025, to August 28, 2026, with online entries closing on August 21.
How outlets are covering it
Billboard highlights the open race for nominations, noting that while Stray Kids and BTS have opted out, other acts like aespa and Kenshi Yonezu are strong contenders. Variety and Rolling Stone focus on the Recording Academy's decision to proceed, quoting CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who stated that 'by far, the loudest feedback' from the community supported the category. InMusic emphasizes the strategic decisions of K-pop labels, noting that Stray Kids' decision mirrors BTS's stance, effectively removing two of the genre's biggest global acts from the competition. All sources agree that the category's future is secure for 2027, but they differ on the level of industry support, with Mason Jr. citing 'robust' submissions while major K-pop groups remain absent.
Why it matters
The confirmation of the Asian Pop category marks a significant shift in how the Grammys recognize non-Western music, potentially influencing how global pop acts are categorized in the future. The boycott by BTS and Stray Kids signals deep dissatisfaction within the K-pop industry, which may affect future participation in genre-specific awards. The outcome of the 2027 ceremony will determine whether the category gains legitimacy or remains a contentious point in the music industry.
What to watch
First-round voting for the 2027 Grammys begins on October 12, with nominees to be announced on November 16. The ceremony is scheduled for February 7, 2027. The Recording Academy will continue to engage with the music community to address concerns about the category's structure and inclusivity.
- Without BTS, Who Could Get An Asian Pop Grammy Nomination? Billboard
- Grammy Asian Pop Category Will Go Forward, CEO Says: ‘We Understand This Conclusion Will Not Satisfy Everyone’ variety.com
- Despite BTS Boycott, Grammy’s New Asian Pop Category To Debut Unchanged Forbes
- Grammys CEO: Best Asian Pop Music Performance Category to Debut in 2027 Despite Controversy Rolling Stone
- Stray Kids Will Not Submit Music for 2027 Grammys inmusicblog.com
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