The Recording Academy is consulting Asian pop artists on a new category. The talks come after BTS announced they would skip the 2026 Grammys in protest. Harvey Mason Jr., chief executive of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, appeared at the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame® Gala on May 08, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. At the event, the Academy confirmed that an Asian pop music performance category would be added to the roster of awards, one of five new categories unveiled on June 16.
Dialogue with Asian Pop Leaders Over the past two weeks, Mason and other senior Grammy officials have held regular conversations with representatives from K‑pop, J‑pop, C‑pop , Indian music and other Asian‑origin scenes. Participants have ranged from independent musicians and label executives to managers and even HYBE, the agency behind BTS. The purpose of these meetings is to understand how the new Asian Pop category can honor the region’s diverse sounds while respecting the artists’ creative intent.
On July 29, BTS issued a message that read, “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.” — BTS, statement
The group’s decision amplified concerns that the category might segment music by language or geography rather than artistic merit. The Academy has taken those concerns seriously, noting that its aim is to “honor the music respectfully and accurately in this first awards cycle.”
Board Review and Future Category Plans Following the feedback, the Academy is convening its full Board and Awards & Nominations Committee to refine the category’s criteria. In a statement on Friday, Aug. 14, CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “The Grammy organization exists to serve all music people, and part of that is working to ensure that no voice or community gets overlooked or misunderstood.” — Harvey Mason Jr., CEO He added that the Academy’s recent history shows it can act swiftly when the music community calls for change. With the total number of Grammy categories now exceeding 100, an Academy representative said it is time to reassess how new categories are created. The Board will evaluate whether the process should become more transparent, moving away from the traditionally confidential approach that kept category announcements under wraps. The outcome will shape how the Asian Pop category – and any future additions – are presented to artists and fans alike.
Frequently asked questions
Why did BTS boycott the 2026 Grammys? BTS announced they would skip the 2026 Grammys in protest, saying they want music to be heard and loved for what it is rather than being divided by region or language, and they objected to the idea of a separate Asian Pop category that could segment music by geography.
What is the new Asian Pop category that the Recording Academy is adding? The Recording Academy confirmed that an Asian Pop music performance category will be added to the Grammy awards roster, one of five new categories unveiled on June 16, to honor diverse sounds from K‑pop, J‑pop, C‑pop, Indian music and other Asian‑origin scenes.
When will the Recording Academy finalize the criteria for the Asian Pop Grammy category? After consulting Asian pop artists and leaders, the Academy will convene its full Board and Awards & Nominations Committee to refine the category’s criteria.
Who is Harvey Mason Jr. and what is his role in the new Grammy category? Harvey Mason Jr. is the chief executive of the Recording Academy and MusiCares; he announced the Asian Pop category at the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala and said the Academy is working to ensure no voice or community is overlooked as it finalizes the new category.
How is the Recording Academy involving Asian music leaders in creating the new category? Over the past two weeks, Mason and senior Grammy officials have held regular conversations with representatives from K‑pop, J‑pop, C‑pop, Indian music and other Asian‑origin scenes, including independent musicians, label executives, managers and HYBE, to understand how the category can honor the region’s diverse sounds while respecting artistic intent.
