Grammys CEO responds after BTS pulls out over new Asian Pop category

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has responded after global K-pop group BTS announced they would not submit their music for consideration at the next Grammy Awards following the introduction of a new Asian Pop category.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Mason said he respected the group’s decision but admitted he was disappointed that the seven-member band had chosen to sit out the awards process.

“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,” he said.

Mason defended the newly created category, explaining that it was designed to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian pop music rather than separate artists from mainstream recognition.

“The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognised. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognised by our 15,000 Grammy voters,” he added.

He said the Recording Academy has introduced several genre-specific categories in recent years to ensure more artists receive recognition for their work.

Category sparks debate

The Academy chief also addressed concerns that artists entering genre-based categories would be excluded from competing for the Grammys’ top honours.

According to Mason, musicians who submit work in categories such as Asian Pop, Country or Jazz remain eligible for General Field awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

“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,” he noted

He said the new category was intended to expand opportunities for recognition rather than limit them.

The new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category has drawn criticism from some artists and fans, who argue that it risks separating Asian musicians instead of judging them alongside their global peers.

Why BTS withdrew

BTS announced on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, that it would not enter next year’s Grammy Awards, saying music should be recognised based on its quality rather than its region or language.

In coordinated posts shared on their individual Instagram accounts, the group said they hoped music would be appreciated for what it is instead of being categorised by geography.

The decision came despite expectations that the group’s latest album, Arirang, would compete for several of the ceremony’s biggest awards after becoming one of the year’s best-selling releases.

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