The Recording Academy will move forward with its newly introduced Asian Pop category at the 2027 Grammy Awards despite BTS’s decision to boycott the category.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed that the Best Asian Pop Music Performance award will be part of next year’s ceremony following months of discussions.
READ: Grammys hints at possible changes to Asian Pop category after BTS boycotts 2027 submission
The controversial category was introduced in June "to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia," Harvey said.
However, BTS announced in July that they will not submit an entry for the 2027 Grammys, saying that they want their music to be “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
The announcement prompted the Recording Academy to reconsider the new category by August. After those discussions, however, the Academy decided to retain the category for the 2027 ceremony.
“Over the past several weeks the Academy has been conducting listening sessions and have been in dialogue with leaders of the Asian music community,” Harvey said in a statement shared by Variety and Forbes.
“The journey has been rewarding and inspiring. Our organization is at its best when we engage deeply with music people and go the extra mile to understand their lived experiences," he continued.
Harvey acknowledged that the Recording Academy heard differing opinions during those conversations, including people who opposed keeping the category and those who did not have accurate information about it to "clear up misperceptions."
He said, however, that the Recording Academy also received strong support from music creators who wanted the category to remain.
“But by far, the loudest feedback we heard was from people who were enthusiastic supporters of the category, fellow music creators expressing their encouragement for keeping it.”
Harvey recognized that the decision would not satisfy everyone but said the Recording Academy believes continuing with the category is the appropriate course for the music community.
“We understand this conclusion will not satisfy everyone, and that never feels good. 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. We look forward to celebrating the Asian Pop Music Performance nominees at the 2027 Grammy Awards.”
READ: BTS performance videos no longer accessible on Grammys website following boycott
The Recording Academy also said it received a “robust” number of entries for the category, indicating interest in the award during its first year.
Submissions for the 2027 Grammy Awards already closed last August.
The first round of voting is scheduled for October 12 to 22, while the nominees will be announced on November 16.
Final-round voting, which will determine the winners, will take place from December 10, 2026 to January 7, 2027.
The 2027 Grammy Awards will be held on February 7 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.