Following BTS' Grammy withdrawal, Harvey Mason Jr. explains new Asian Pop category

Following BTS' announcement that they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. took to social media to issue a statement.

As Mason said he was saddened by BTS' decision but respected the group's choice, he also took the opportunity to clarify the purpose of the newly introduced Asian Pop category.

According to Mason, the category was introduced to recognize the "depth, diversity and extraordinary growth" of pop music from Asia, not to separate artists from the major Grammy races.

"The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists," he said. "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."

Mason also stressed that artists who submit music in genre-specific categories, such as Asian Pop, Jazz, or Country, remain fully eligible to compete in General Field categories, such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

“Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre,” he explained.

“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive,” he added. “An artist can absolutely pursue both.”

Closing his statement, the CEO reiterated the Grammys’ commitment to recognizing artists from around the world as it continues to broaden its membership and awards.

"The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it," he said.

"As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world,” he added.

After BTS announced they would not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammys, their song "Aliens" surged to the top of the iTunes charts in dozens of countries, including the United States.

The track is part of BTS' latest album, “Arirang,” which explores themes of racism, xenophobia, and embracing one's cultural identity.

BTS has notably earned five Grammy nominations throughout their career.

They made a comeback with "Arirang," released in March, after a four-year hiatus, during which they enlisted in the South Korean military and pursued solo careers.

They are set to visit Manila for three shows in March 2027.

— LA, GMA News