# BTS decline Grammys entry over new Asian Pop category

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/bts-refuse-to-submit-to-grammys-in-response-to-new-asian-pop-category-we-hope-our-music-can-be-heard-and-loved-for-what-it-is/
- Published: 2026-07-29T13:04:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-29T19:12:43+00:00
- Original publisher: NME
- Original article: https://www.nme.com/news/music/bts-refuse-to-submit-to-grammys-in-response-to-new-asian-pop-category-we-hope-our-music-can-be-heard-and-loved-for-what-it-is-3959633?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bts-refuse-to-submit-to-grammys-in-response-to-new-asian-pop-category-we-hope-our-music-can-be-heard-and-loved-for-what-it-is
- Topics: Asia, Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- BTS won't enter 'Arirang' for the 2027 Grammys.
- Move follows new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
- Category excludes all-English songs like BTS's 'Swim'.

## Summary

BTS have declined to submit their new album 'Arirang' for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, in response to the Recording Academy's newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. All seven members posted an identical statement on Instagram Stories saying they hope their music "can be heard and loved for itself" rather than divided by region or language, a decision that reignited debate over whether dedicated ethnic or regional award categories help or hinder the recognition of non-Western artists at major Western ceremonies. The Recording Academy has not publicly responded to the band's decision.

The new category requires entries to make meaningful use of an Asian language and excludes songs performed entirely in English, a rule that would have barred BTS's English-language track 'Swim' from eligibility. Submissions for the category, confirmed for the ceremony on 7 February 2027, ran from 7 July to 28 August. NME had previously criticised the creation of the category, arguing pop music should not be segregated by geography, ethnicity or language, while commentators suggested such a category risks sidelining Asian artists from broader awards like Album of the Year.

## Coverage

- [NME: BTS decline Grammys entry over new Asian Pop category](https://www.nme.com/news/music/bts-refuse-to-submit-to-grammys-in-response-to-new-asian-pop-category-we-hope-our-music-can-be-heard-and-loved-for-what-it-is-3959633?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bts-refuse-to-submit-to-grammys-in-response-to-new-asian-pop-category-we-hope-our-music-can-be-heard-and-loved-for-what-it-is)
- [Music Business Worldwide: BTS keep chart-topper ‘Arirang’ out of 2027 Grammys race, as group decline to submit music for consideration](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bts-keep-chart-topper-arirang-out-of-2027-grammys-race-as-group-decline-to-submit-music-for-consideration/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.