BTS has decided not to submit music for the 2027 Grammys.
All seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J‑Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook – posted the same Instagram message on Wednesday, July 29, saying they will not enter their comeback album ARIRANG for consideration. The translation reads, “We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year… I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
Recording Academy's response
Harvey Mason Jr., chief executive of the Recording Academy, issued a statement on the same day. He expressed disappointment but also respect for the group’s choice, emphasizing that the Academy’s categories aim to broaden, not limit, recognition.
“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision.”
— Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO
Mason clarified that the newly created Asian Pop category is meant to spotlight the “depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia.” He added that submitting in a genre category does not prevent an artist from also being considered for General Field awards such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year or Song of the Year.
“Submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories.”
— Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO
The Academy’s voting body now includes roughly 15,000 members, and Mason stressed that the organization serves “music and all the people who make it,” promising to keep listening to the global community as it expands its reach.
BTS's stance and broader Grammy landscape
Both BTS and Mason share a similar Grammy history: each has received exactly five nominations without a win. Mason’s nominations stem from his work as a producer on projects like Justin Timberlake’s *Justified* and the *Dreamgirls* soundtrack, as well as a songwriting credit on Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough.”
BTS’s past nominations, while not listed in detail, have been part of the conversation about the Academy’s evolving categories. The 2027 awards will feature five new categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance, reflecting the growing influence of Asian artists on the global stage.
When BTS first appeared at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022, they performed at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, marking a historic moment for K‑pop on the U.S. awards circuit. Their decision to sit out the 2027 cycle underscores a desire to let their music speak beyond award frameworks.
Frequently asked questions
Why did BTS decide not to submit their ARIRANG album for the 2027 Grammy Awards?
BTS posted on Instagram that they chose not to submit to the Grammys because they want music to be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.
What did Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr say about BTS skipping the Grammys?
Harvey Mason Jr. expressed disappointment but respected BTS's decision, noting that the Academy’s genre categories aim to broaden recognition and that the new Asian Pop category highlights the depth and growth of Asian pop artistry.
Is there a specific Asian Pop category at the Grammy Awards?
Yes, the Recording Academy recently created an Asian Pop category to spotlight the diversity and extraordinary growth of pop music coming out of Asia, according to CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
Can an artist submit music in a genre category and still be eligible for General Field awards like Album of the Year?
According to Harvey Mason Jr., submitting in a genre category such as Asian Pop does not prevent an artist from also being considered for General Field awards like Record of the Year, Album of the Year, or Song of the Year.
How many Grammy nominations have BTS received to date?
BTS has received exactly five Grammy nominations so far, but they have not yet won an award.
