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Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has responded to BTS’ decision not to submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, saying he respects the group’s choice despite being “saddened” by it.
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Mason defended the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, saying it was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian pop music rather than separate artists by region or language.
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He also clarified that artists who enter genre categories remain eligible for the Grammys’ General Field awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
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BTS said they opted out because they want their music to be recognised “for what it is” rather than being divided by region or language, reigniting debate over the Recording Academy’s new category.
July 30, (THEWILL) — The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., has responded after BTS announced they would not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, saying he respects the group’s decision while defending the Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The seven BTS members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, shared identical statements on their individual Instagram accounts on Wednesday, July 29, saying they chose not to participate because they hope their music will be appreciated “for what it is” rather than being divided by region or language.
Their announcement came a month after the Recording Academy introduced the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category as one of five new Grammy categories for the 2027 awards. The category recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, and has received mixed reactions from fans and industry observers.
In his response, Mason said he was saddened by BTS’ decision but understood their position. He explained that the new category was created to recognise the growing influence and diversity of Asian pop music, adding that the Academy’s goal is to honour more artistes rather than separate them.
He also clarified that submitting music in a genre category does not prevent artists from competing in the Grammys’ General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. According to Mason, artists can be recognised in both genre-specific and overall categories.
BTS has received five Grammy nominations throughout its career, including nominations for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Music Video and Album of the Year through “Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres”, but has yet to win a Grammy.
The group joins a list of major artistes, including The Weeknd, Drake and Jay-Z, who have at different times chosen not to participate in the Grammy submission process over concerns about the awards system.
Harvey Mason Jr.’s Full Statement
“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.
“I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. 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.
“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. Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre. Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both.
“The Grammy organisation is here to serve music and all the people who make it. As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasise that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honour and celebrate all the artistes whose music moves the world.”
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
