Through a recent update, Grammy CEO addressed BTS‘ decision not to submit for the 2027 edition, expressing his sincere position about this absence and his opinion about their controversial new category.
On July 29th, the 7 members of the boy group updated their Instagram stories with a personal message announcing they won’t be sending their new album, ‘ARIRANG‘, for consideration in the next ceremony award.
All seven BTS members stand united in their decision not to submit to the Grammys this year. ✊
"We’ve decided not to submit our work for this year’s Grammy Awards. We hope music will be recognized and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. Thank… pic.twitter.com/x5WCRtZsav
— BTS Daily⁷ (@btsdaily77) July 29, 2026
The next day, the Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. responded to the boys through a statement saying, “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.”
In addition, the CEO defended the recently introduced ‘Best Asian Pop Music Performance’ category, which has been criticised for sidelining Asian artists from the main categories of the ceremony and targeted as the reason the boy group stepped out from their participation.
“The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognised. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognised by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
Although BTS members state in their message that “We hope music will be recognised and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” Harvey Mason Jr assured the Asian Pop category does not exclude any artist from consideration in general fields.
