ISLAMABAD – Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has responded after BTS announced they would not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
He said that he respects the group’s decision while defending the Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The response comes days after BTS revealed that they would not participate in this year’s Grammy submission process, arguing that music should be appreciated for its artistic value rather than being separated by language or region.
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“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,” Mason said.
Why BTS rejected Grammy submissions
The announcement followed the Recording Academy’s introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category pop music originating from or widely recognised across Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, is to be recognized.
The new category immediately sparked debate among fans.
Harvey Mason Jr. defends Asian Pop category
Responding to the criticism, Mason stressed that the new category was designed to increase recognition rather than limit opportunities.
He also rejected claims that entering the Asian Pop category would prevent artists from competing for major Grammy awards.
“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive,” Mason said.
He explained that artists remain eligible for major awards such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year, regardless of whether they also submit music in genre-specific categories.
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Recording Academy promises to listen
Mason said the Recording Academy would continue expanding its global reach while listening to artists from different regions and musical backgrounds. He added that the organisation’s goal is to celebrate music from around the world.
“The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it,” he said.
Other artists have also skipped the Grammys
BTS is not the first major act to decline participation in the Grammy Awards. In recent years, artists including The Weeknd, Drake and Morgan Wallen have also chosen not to submit their music, citing concerns over the awards process.
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Key points:
- BTS confirmed they will not submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
- Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he respects the group’s decision.
- Mason defended the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
- He said artists can compete in both genre and General Field Grammy categories.
- The Academy pledged to continue listening to artists worldwide.
- BTS joins other major artists, including The Weeknd and Drake, in skipping Grammy submissions.
