Recording Academy Decides to Keep Asian Pop Category in the 2027 Grammys

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, which runs the Grammys, has announced that the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will remain on the docket for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The Academy was considering pulling it following backlash from BTS, but deliberation has led to the award moving forward.

Background:

• Upon the introduction of the category, BTS announced they would not be submitting their music to the Grammys for award consideration.

• They said of the category: “We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”

• At first, Mason Jr. defended the category, but then suggested the Academy would reconsider including it.

• Apparently, the category has seen “robust” entries, demonstrating strong interest.

What they said:

• Mason Jr.’s statement via Variety: “Over the past several weeks, the Academy has been conducting listening sessions and has been in dialogue with leaders of the Asian music community. The journey has been rewarding and inspiring. Our organization is at its best when we engage deeply with music people and go the extra mile to understand their lived experiences.”

• “In this case, we heard candid feedback from people in our community who don’t support the continuation of this category. We also heard from people who didn’t have accurate information about the category, and having space to clear up misperceptions has been especially valuable. But by far, the loudest feedback we heard was from people who were enthusiastic supporters of the category, fellow music creators expressing their encouragement for keeping it.”

• “We understand this conclusion will not satisfy everyone, and that never feels good. But at the same time, we are confident it’s the right conclusion for the music community overall. As is the case with all our categories, we will continue to diligently engage with the music community and keep striving to honor this music — and all music — in the best possible way. We look forward to celebrating the Asian Pop Music Performance nominees at the 2027 Grammy Awards.”