BTS sits out 2027 Grammys as new Asian pop award goes ahead

The new Grammy for Asian pop music will go ahead in 2027 without BTS on the ballot.

Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr. said the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will debut at the ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 7, even after BTS said it would not put forward its comeback album Arirang. Online entries closed on Aug. 21, with first-round voting due to start on Oct. 12 and nominees to be announced on Nov. 16, according to Rolling Stone.

BTS said they hope music can be heard and loved by itself rather than being divided by region or language. The group has skipped entering the Grammys for the first time for the 2027 awards. Reuters earlier described the decision as a boycott over the new category.

The category is the first Asian pop category added to the Grammys. It recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets. It sits among five new categories and rule updates that take effect for the 2027 Grammys.

Mason Jr. said he was saddened by the group's decision not to submit music. He initially defended the category when BTS opted out. He later said the Academy had held listening sessions and dialogue with leaders of the Asian music community over the past several weeks, and that criticism would be taken into consideration.

By far the loudest feedback the Academy heard was from enthusiastic supporters of the category, Mason Jr. said. He said those voices wanted a space that reflected the range of music made across Asia and its global audience.

For fans, this means a simple rule is in play. Artists or their labels must formally enter work to be eligible. No entry means no nomination. The 2027 show will air live on Feb. 7, as confirmed by Grammy.com.