Grammys reportedly considering changes to new Asian Pop category after BTS boycott

The reports come after Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and other Grammy leaders held discussions

The Recording Academy is considering changes to its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category after BTS decided not to submit for this year’s Grammy Awards.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and other Grammy leaders have held discussions with representatives from Asian music communities, including K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and India, about how the new category could be improved.

“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,” Mason Jr. said in a statement.

“It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish,” he added.

BTS announced last month that the group would not participate in the Grammy submission process this year.

The members shared a statement saying, “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.”

The new category was announced in June and subsequently drew criticism over its eligibility rules, including language requirements.

Some critics also questioned whether a dedicated Asian Pop category could affect opportunities for Asian artists in the Grammys’ general categories.

Mason Jr. previously said he was “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.”

 The Academy’s review comes shortly before the Grammy submission deadline, with first-round voting scheduled to begin on October 12.