BTS have decided they won't release their latest album Arirang for the 2027 Grammys. The choice comes with a joint message from all the band members who published a message against the American awards on their respective social networks.
“We have decided not to attend the Grammys this year,” BTS said in a statement translated from Korean. The seven members of the group expressed their “hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, without being divided by region or language.”
Three of BTS' five past nominations were in the “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group” category. Fans have speculated that their withdrawal from selection for the 2027 awards ceremony may be linked to recent changes made to the category structure by the Recording Academy. Five new categories were announced in June, including “Best Asian Pop Music Performance.”
And so yesterday came the response from Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Grammys, who tried to mediate: «It saddens me to know that BTS have decided not to participate in the Grammy Awards this year, but as a musical author I understand and respect their decision», said Mason. «I would like to clarify an aspect that seems to be lost in the debate. The “Asian Pop” category was created to celebrate the richness, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop art from Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine the spotlight on these important artists. More categories means more artists' work is recognized. It's never about dividing, but about broadening the circle of those recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
