The Impact of the BTS Boycott: The Grammys Back Down

The Recording Academy is reviewing its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category after the award drew criticism from artists and others in the Asian music industry.

According to reports on Aug. 14, Academy officials have spent the past two weeks holding discussions with representatives from across K-POP, J-POP, C-POP and Indian music. The talks have involved artists, labels and managers, including HYBE.

The talks come after BTS announced July 29 that it would not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group said it made the decision in protest of the new category, arguing that music should be heard for what it is rather than separated by region or language.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged the concerns in a statement, saying conversations with industry stakeholders had made it clear that "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."

"The management and Board are committed to working together to keep pace with that progress and ensure the musicians we intend to honor feel truly seen and heard by our actions," Mason added.

The Academy is now bringing the issue to its full Board and Awards & Nominations Committee, which will work with members of the Asian music community to review how the category is handled in its first year and beyond.

Best Asian Pop Music Performance was announced in June as one of five new Grammy categories. It covers contemporary pop associated with Asian markets, including K-POP, J-POP and C-POP. Under the current rules, eligible recordings must feature meaningful use of at least one Asian language, meaning songs performed entirely in English do not qualify.

The backlash is also prompting the Academy to review how new Grammy categories are created, including whether more consultation with the music communities involved should take place before they are introduced.