BTS is taking a pass on the upcoming awards season. The group confirmed it will not submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, a move that follows the introduction of a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
All seven members posted identical statements on their individual Instagram accounts on 29 July. The message explained the choice was about how music is categorized. "We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year," the statement read. "I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language."
"I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language."
The decision affects the group's comeback record, ARIRANG. It comes a month after the Recording Academy announced five new categories for next year's ceremony, including the specific Asian pop designation. Entries for the 69th Grammy Awards are currently open, running until 21 August.
A Familiar Pattern
Indian composer Salim Merchant says the news did not surprise him. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Merchant argued the Recording Academy functions primarily as an American institution serving American artistes first. He suggested non-American acts are eventually funneled into smaller, genre-specific rooms rather than competing for top prizes.
Merchant pointed to the practical barriers facing international artists. He noted that because the Academy's proceeds support American recording artists, entries from outside the United States have limited chances in the main categories. While Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. has stated that genre submissions do not exclude artists from general fields, Merchant contends the reality of the voting process differs from the rules.
He cited two examples to illustrate his point. Merchant mentioned A.R. Rahman's wins for Slumdog Millionaire, noting the composer had strong representation in the US through the Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency at the time. He also highlighted Ricky Kej's win for Divine Tides, which featured a collaboration with Stewart Copeland, a respected Academy member and established American artist.
