BTS announced on July 29, 2026, that they will not submit their comeback album, ARIRANG, for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group cited a desire for music to be heard and loved for what it is
rather than divided by region or language, appearing to challenge the Recording Academy’s new Asian Pop category.
The decision came via identical Instagram posts from all seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. The move follows a massive commercial return for the group; their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in March 2026, moving 641,000 units in its opening week.
The Best Asian Pop Music Performance Category
The group’s withdrawal coincides with the Recording Academy’s introduction of five new categories in June, including the Best Asian Pop Music Performance award. This specific category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music originating from or recognized within Asian markets, such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, provided there is meaningful use of one or more Asian languages
.
BTS’s statement explicitly mentioned a hope that music not be divided by region or language
. This phrasing highlights a tension regarding the new category’s requirements. For instance, the group’s English-language hit single “SWIM,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, would have been ineligible for the Asian Pop category due to its language.
“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. Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us.”
BTS, via Instagram
Harvey Mason Jr.’s Response to the Boycott
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. responded on July 29, stating he respects the group’s decision. He argued that the new category is intended to expand recognition rather than create divisions, noting that the Asian Pop category was designed to celebrate the depth and diversity of pop artistry from Asia.
Mason clarified a critical rule regarding the General Field: submitting a work for a genre-specific category, such as Asian Pop, does not prevent an artist from also being considered for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, or Song of the Year.
“The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it. As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world.”
Harvey Mason Jr., Grammys CEO
BTS’s History of Grammy Nominations
Over the last five years, they have earned five nominations. Three of these were in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for “Dynamite” (2021), “Butter” (2022), and “My Universe” (2023).
In 2023, the group also received nominations for Best Music Video for Yet to Come
and Album of the Year as featured artists on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres.
| Year | Nomination Category | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Dynamite” |
| 2022 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Butter” |
| 2023 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “My Universe” (with Coldplay) |
| 2023 | Album of the Year | Music of the Spheres (featured) |
| 2023 | Best Music Video | “Yet to Come” |
The Timing of the 2027 Awards Cycle
The withdrawal occurs during a high-stakes period for the group. After completing mandatory military service, BTS returned in March 2026 with ARIRANG.
The decision to sit out is particularly notable given the current Grammy timeline. The ceremony will air live on February 7, 2027, via ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
Worth a look