Grammys Reconsider New Asian Pop Category Amid Artist Concerns
Grammys Reconsider New Asian Pop Category Amid Artist Concerns
The academy weighs artist feedback as K-pop, C-pop, J-pop, and Indian music communities raise concerns.
Highlights
- The Academy is reviewing the Asian Pop category amid concerns raised by artists and music industry stakeholders.
- Academy consults Asian music communities over the award’s structure.
- Language-based rules raise questions over the category’s eligibility.
The Recording Academy has confirmed that it is reviewing its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category amid concerns raised by artists and music industry stakeholders. The development follows growing criticism of the category, which was introduced in June 2026 as one of five additions to the 69th Grammys.
BTS announced that it will not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
On July 29, 2026, Jin, V, Suga, RM, J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook posted identical statements announcing that they would not submit music for Grammy consideration. The decision also applies to their latest album, ARIRANG. The group stated that it hoped music could be “heard and loved for what it is,” instead of being separated based on region or language.
Grammys Reconsider Asian Pop Award
CEO of The Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., initially defended the category after BTS' withdrawal, saying it was created to recognize the “depth, diversity, and extraordinary growth” of Asian pop rather than separate artists from the Grammys' main awards. He also pointed out that artists could pursue both genre and general field categories.
By Aug 14, however, Mason said discussions with stakeholders over the previous two weeks had prompted a review. “Some artists in this space feel that this category isn't representing the music they work so hard to create,” he said.
Academy leaders have also spoken with artists, labels, and managers from K-pop, C-pop, J-pop, and Indian music, including representatives from HYBE. The Academy has also brought its Board of Trustees and Awards & Nominations Committee into discussions surrounding the category.
Asian Pop Category Faces Eligibility Questions
The category applies to Asian pop recordings with significant use of at least one Asian language, including J-pop, K-pop, and C-pop. Eligibility is based on musical style rather than an artist's nationality or ethnicity.
However, entirely English-language recordings are excluded, although they can remain eligible elsewhere.
The controversy has also spilled over onto Gold Music Alliance volunteers, some of whom reportedly faced online threats from users who mistakenly believed they had created the category. Meanwhile, the Aug 21 submission deadline is approaching, followed by Grammy nominations on Nov 16 and the Feb 7, 2027, ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Academy has not said whether it will revise, rename, or remove the category. Its review now puts the question of how Asian music should be represented within the Grammys at the center of the dispute.
Author
Probaho Santra is a content writer at Outlook India with a master’s degree in journalism. Outside work, he enjoys photography, exploring new tech trends, and staying connected with the esports world.
