Grammys CEO ‘Saddened’ as BTS Opts Not to Submit for Awards

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has responded to BTS’ decision not to submit their music for Grammy consideration this year.

Context:

• In June the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian Pop category, to mixed response.

• On Tuesday the K-pop group issued a statement announcing their decision and, while not mentioning the category, said they “hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is rather than being divided by region or language.”

The response:

• Mason Jr. wrote that though he is “saddened” by BTS’ decision, “as a music creator I understand and respect” it.

• He also defended the category, stating: “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.”

• He added that the Academy adds new categories “never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”

Mason Jr.’s full statement:

• “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.

• “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.

• “I also want to be very clear: submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. 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.

• “The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it. As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world.”