[New Jersey] At BTS' MetLife Concert, ARMY Showed Support Beyond the Grammys

During BTS' return to MetLife Stadium as a full group, seven years after its "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" tour stopped at the venue in 2019, the atmosphere was electric. Fans and accompanying concertgoers alike were drawn into the energy created by BTS and ARMY.

Throughout its career, BTS has often delivered messages of comfort and support, assuring fans that the group would remain by their side. At MetLife Stadium, fans expressed that same support in return, days after BTS announced that it would not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards following the introduction of a new Asian pop category.

Midway through the concert in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a fan-interaction segment began while the seven members went backstage to rest and change for the next part of the show.

Fans appeared on the stadium screens holding signs with messages for the group. Some featured jokes familiar to the fandom, while others expressed appreciation for BTS or celebrated personal milestones that fans said they had reached with the group's music by their side.

One Korean-language banner read, "I waited 11 years for this moment. Thank you for growing up with me." Another offered a lighter message: "I saved all my $$ for BTS."

Other signs referenced the group's music and fandom culture, including "Proud Alien," "HOPE CREW" and "We Made It to 2.0!" — a phrase celebrating what fans see as a new chapter for the group.

Several fans also highlighted academic and professional achievements, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. One fan appeared in a graduation gown holding a sign that read, "BTS GOT ME THROUGH LAW SCHOOL & THE BAR EXAM!!"

The tone shifted when the cameras began showing signs supporting BTS' recent decision regarding the Grammys.

Messages included "Who needs a Grammy when you have ARMY?," "Beyond categories, the music is ours," "BTS Bigger Than the Industry" and "BTS Unites, Grammys Divide."

One of the night's most provocative signs read, "Fxxk the Grammys!" The message drew loud cheers inside the stadium and quickly circulated on social media.

Discussion of the signs soon extended beyond the New Jersey concert, as fans around the world shared their views on BTS' decision and the support shown at the stadium.

One user on X wrote that seeing BTS step away from an award it had pursued for years resonated with her because "sometimes you need to take a step back from your biggest dreams in order to stay aligned with your values."

The banners represented more than a response to BTS' Grammy decision. They also reflected the relationship the group has built with ARMY over the past 13 years.

At MetLife Stadium, fans returned the messages of loyalty and support that have long been central to BTS' relationship with its audience, emphasizing that many of them value that bond more than any industry award.