BTS’s decision to boycott the 69th Grammy Awards has prompted the Recording Academy to reconsider its new Asian pop category. The Academy introduced the “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” award in June, a move that drew criticism from some artists and fans who said it did not fairly represent the music it was meant to honor.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement Aug. 14 that the organization exists “for all music people” and should ensure no voice or community is overlooked or misunderstood. He said recent talks with artists and other stakeholders made clear that, despite the Academy’s intent to be more inclusive, some artists feel the category does not represent the music they have worked hard to create in the way they want.
Mason also said the Academy has shown over the past six years that it can act decisively and quickly in response to the needs of the music industry. He said Academy leadership and the board will work to keep pace with those changes and make sure the artists they aim to recognize feel genuinely respected and heard through their actions.
The category was expected to include K-pop, J-pop and C-pop. BTS’s boycott has added pressure to the debate over whether a separate Asian pop category helps elevate artists or instead boxes them into a label that does not reflect the full range of their music.
