Grammys chief confirms consultation with stakeholders considering changes to its newly created Asian Pop Grammy category. This follows criticism from artists and fans over how Asian music would be classified at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
According to Billboard, discussions about the future of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category have intensified. This is after K-pop supergroup BTS announced that it would not submit music for consideration at next year’s ceremony.
The category was unveiled in June as one of five new awards introduced for the 2027 Grammys. It was designed to recognise pop music originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop.
Under the current rules, eligible songs must also make meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
Recording Academy reviews Asian Pop Grammy
Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr. said the organisation had been speaking with stakeholders. This followed concerns about the new award.
“The Grammy organisation exists to serve all music people, and part of that is working to ensure that no voice or community gets overlooked or misunderstood,” Mason said.
He acknowledged that despite the Academy’s intention to expand representation, some musicians were unhappy with the way the category had been structured.
“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,” he said.
“As a musician myself, I take that to heart.”
BTS withdrawal fuels debate
The debate gained momentum after BTS said it would not submit its latest music for the 2027 Grammys.
The seven-member group did not directly name the Asian pop category in its announcement. However, it questioned the idea of separating music according to geography or language.
“We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the group said.
The decision drew attention to concerns that creating a separate Asian pop award could restrict Asian performers to a regional category. In addition, it could also discourage recognition across mainstream Grammy fields.
Mason had earlier defended the award, saying it was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of pop music coming from Asia. He said it was not meant to separate Asian musicians from other performers.
He noted that artists competing in the Asian pop category could still be considered for major awards such as Album of the Year. Additionally, they could be considered for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
With entries for the 2027 Grammys underway, the Recording Academy is now weighing the concerns raised by artists and other members of the music industry. At the same time, discussions continue over whether the new category should be changed.
