Grammys CEO saddened by BTS’ decision to skip 2027 awards consideration

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed his disappointment over BTS’ decision to forgo submitting its music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 29, Mason said that while he respects the decision, he was still saddened by the announcement.

“I am 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,” expressed the CEO.

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Mason also clarified that the Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category is to “celebrate diversity” and “not to divide” artists.

“The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters,” he explained.

The clarification came after BTS earlier announced that it would not submit its music for Grammy consideration this year, saying it hoped its work would be appreciated “for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”

Mason emphasized that entering music in a genre-specific category does not prevent artists from competing in the Grammys’ top awards.

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“Submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre,” said the executive.

Mason added that artists are free to pursue recognition in both genre and General Field categories.

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“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both. The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it,” continued the statement.

“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,” it concluded. /ra