Report: Grammys May Reconsider New Asian Pop Category

Variety reports that the Recording Academy may be reconsidering the GRAMMYs’ new Asian Pop category.

Backstory:

• In June, the Recording Academy announced it was introducing a new category, Best Asian Pop Music Performance, to mixed response.

• In July, K-pop superstars BTS announced they would not submit music for consideration at the 2027 awards, posting a statement across each member’s social media: “I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”

Reconsider:

• On Friday August 14, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. released a statement: “It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, 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. As a musician myself, I take that to heart.”

• He added: “Over the past six years, the Academy has shown that it can act decisively and move swiftly to meet the needs of our music community. 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.”

• Variety reports that Mason jr. and other GRAMMY executives have been in discussion with artists and execs representing K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, India, and more.

• The Academy is convening its full Board and Awards & Nominations Committee to seek further input from community members and leaders on the category and its process for introducing new categories and awards.