In a surprising move, the globally acclaimed South Korean K-pop sensation BTS announced on Wednesday their choice to refrain from submitting any music for the 2027 Grammy Awards consideration.
“Our decision is to forego an entry for the Grammys this year,” the band declared in a heartfelt message shared broadly across their social media platforms. “We hope to let our music resonate and be cherished for its authenticity, beyond the confines of regional and linguistic barriers,” they elaborated.
After a prolonged hiatus lasting several years, the seven-member powerhouse made a triumphant comeback in March, dropping their much-awaited fifth album entitled “Arirang.”
This decision to step back from the 2027 Grammy race follows closely on the heels of the Recording Academy’s recent announcement of five brand new categories for the upcoming awards, including a dedicated category for best Asian pop music performance.
The Recording Academy introduced the best Asian pop music performance category as a nod to the expansive and influential nature of Asia’s pop music, recognizing its growing global footprint.
The new award recognizes “artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.”
“The changes advanced by our Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts and creators shaping it,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement when the new categories were announced on June 16.
The four additional categories announced for the 2027 Grammys include best Latin song, best traditional pop vocal performance, best R