Stray Kids join BTS in skipping 2027 Grammy submissions

Stray Kids will not be in the running at next year's Grammy Awards, joining BTS in sitting out the contest over its new Asian pop category.

The 69th Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 2027. Both groups let the submission deadline pass without putting music forward for consideration, which means they cannot be nominated. In the Grammys system, an artist or label must formally enter recordings before the cut-off date for voters to consider them.

Stray Kids did not submit their EP This & That, according to Rolling Stone. The eligibility period for the 2027 ceremony concluded on Aug. 28. Variety reported that JYP Entertainment, the group's label, confirmed the group had allowed the period to pass without an entry. Stray Kids have not previously been nominated for a Grammy.

BTS announced on July 29 that it would not submit any music for consideration at the 69th ceremony, according to Reuters. The group linked the decision to the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which will be presented for the first time at the upcoming ceremony. The category recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets.

In a July statement, BTS said it hoped music can be heard and loved by itself rather than being divided by region or language. Stray Kids member Seungmin said the group has never set out to make an album chasing a particular award or record.

Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr. said the Academy decided to move forward with the category after conducting listening sessions and dialogue with leaders of the Asian music community.

What makes this stand out is the process. Grammy nominations do not happen automatically. Labels and artists choose what to enter, and choosing not to enter closes the door for that year. For fans, this means neither BTS nor Stray Kids will appear on the nominations list when it is announced for the February ceremony.