BTS Skips 2027 Grammy Consideration After Record-Breaking Comeback

·BTS is sitting out the 2027 Grammy Awards. All seven members shared the same statement on their individual Instagram stories, confirming the group will not submit any music for consideration this year.

·The statement read, “I hope the music itself can be heard and loved rather than being distinguished by region and language. Thank you to the ARMY and everyone for always being with me.”

·The decision comes one month after the Recording Academy introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance, a new category recognizing K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and other music associated with Asian markets.

·Eligible songs must contain meaningful use of at least one Asian language. Songs recorded entirely in English do not qualify.

·BTS did not directly criticize the new category or call their decision a protest. Still, the timing and wording of their statement have sparked debate over whether the Grammys are recognizing Asian artists or separating them from the larger pop field.

·The move means BTS will not submit its comeback album, ARIRANG, for any award, including Album of the Year.

·The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, while “SWIM” became another major chart hit for the group.

·BTS has earned five Grammy nominations but has never won. Its previous nominations include “Dynamite,” “Butter,” “My Universe,” the “Yet to Come” music video and its featured work on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres.

·The Grammys have described the Asian pop category as a way to recognize the genre’s scale, artistry and global influence.

·BTS appears to be making a different argument, music should compete based on the work itself, without being defined by its region or language.

·The Recording Academy has not publicly responded to the group’s decision. BTS is continuing its ARIRANG World Tour, with two sold-out shows at MetLife Stadium scheduled this weekend.