Grammy Awards keeps 'Best Asian Pop' category for 2027 despite boycott
The Recording Academy confirmed it will move forward with plans to introduce the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category at the 69th Grammy Awards in 2027.
In an official statement, The Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the decision followed weeks of internal reviews and listening sessions with representatives across the Asian music community.
He said the experience had been "rewarding and inspiring" hearing "candid feedback" from those who do not support and had no accurate information about the category as well as from "enthusiastic supporters."
"We understand this conclusion will not satisfy everyone, and that never feels good," Mason said. “But at the same time, we are confident it’s the right conclusion for the music community overall.”
"As is the case with all our categories, we will continue to diligently engage with the music community and keep striving to honor this music—and all music—in the best possible way," he continued.
The decision was made after months of pushback from artists, fans, and music experts. They argued that creating a separate regional category leaves non-Western artists left out of the biggest awards, like Album or Record of the Year, instead of including them.
In June, K-pop group BTS announced it would not submit its music for consideration, asking that music be “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
Mason, for his part, was "saddened" by the group's decision but said he understands and respects them. He explained that the new category was created "to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia."
The 69th Grammy Awards is set to happen on Feb. 7, 2027.
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