Around a month ago, the company behind the Grammys had introduced a brand new category to the award show: the Asian pop music category. While some netizens celebrated the news, there was quite a bit of backlash online over introducing a separate category for Asian music specifically. With BTS’ decision to keep their comeback album ‘ARIRANG’ out of the official nomination run, fans rallied behind the group to support their move. Now, the Grammy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr has issued an official statement regarding the matter.
Grammy CEO responds after BTS drop out of Grammy run for 2026
Following BTS’ public decision to back out of the Grammys for the coming award season, the award company’s CEO issued a statement talking about how saddened he is over the news. Variety shared his statement online, which read: “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.”He provided more clarification about the new Asian pop music category that has been introduced at the Grammy Awards for 2027. His statement read, “I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”He also clarified that an artist can submit their music and albums in all of the categories, and that applying for the Asian pop category does not limit anyone from the general categories. “Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre. Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both,” he commented.
BTS’ official statement about backing out of the Grammys for the 2027 award season
Taking to their Instagram accounts, all seven members of the hit K-pop band: RM, Suga, Jin, J-Hope, V, Jimin, and Jungkook posted the same statement in the stories section announcing the news. Their statement read, “We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank ARMY and everyone who has always stood by us.”BTS made their comeback after almost 4 years of no activity earlier this year with ‘ARIRANG’, along with the lead single, ‘Swim’, which starred ‘Riverdale’ star Lili Reinhart in the music video.
