Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was “saddened” by BTS’ decision to sit out the 2027 Grammy Awards submission process but respects the group’s choice.
In an Instagram statement posted July 29, Mason Jr. noted that all seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook announced they would not enter their music for the 69th Grammy Awards. The group explained they want their work “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
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The move follows the Academy’s creation of a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. Mason Jr. defended the addition, saying it was designed to celebrate the “depth, diversity and extraordinary growth” of Asian pop and to expand recognition rather than separate artists.
He stressed that entering a genre-specific category does not bar artists from competing in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
“The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists,” Mason Jr. wrote. “More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to global artists and said it would keep listening to the worldwide music community as it grows its membership and awards.
BTS has earned five Grammy nominations but has yet to win. The members have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019. The 69th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 7, 2027.
