BTS is making a daring assertion forward of the following Grammy Awards by opting out of the competitors totally.
Relatively than submitting their newest music for consideration, the worldwide Okay-pop superstars introduced they’re stepping away from this yr’s awards cycle, citing issues over how music is categorized.
The choice comes simply weeks after the Recording Academy unveiled a brand new Grammy class particularly recognizing Asian pop performances, sparking blended reactions throughout the music business.
Because the Recording Academy continues accepting submissions for the 69th Grammy Awards, BTS has confirmed it won’t be collaborating within the course of.
The group shared the announcement via its members’ particular person social media accounts, explaining that the choice mirrored its wider views on how music must be evaluated.
“We determined to not undergo the Grammys this yr. We wish music to be heard and cherished for what it’s, relatively than categorized by area or language,” the assertion learn per Korean JoongAng Daily.
Though the group didn’t instantly reference the Recording Academy’s latest rule modifications, the timing of the announcement rapidly fueled hypothesis that the assertion was aimed on the group’s determination to introduce a devoted class for Asian pop music.
BTS Choice Fuels Debate Over The Recording Academy’s New Class
In line with a report from Korean JoongAng Daily, relatively than uniting the music world, the Academy’s latest class has opened one other debate.
Amongst 5 additions introduced for the upcoming Grammy Awards is Finest Asian Pop Music Efficiency, an honor supposed for recordings that originate from, or are strongly related to, Asian music markets whereas making significant use of a number of Asian languages.
To supporters, the class acknowledges the explosive international rise of Asian pop after years of worldwide success.
Others, nevertheless, have questioned whether or not making a separate award dangers putting Asian artists on a parallel monitor as an alternative of recognizing them alongside all different performers within the Grammys’ largest races.
Responding to these issues, the Recording Academy described the modifications as a part of “its ongoing dedication to reflecting immediately’s dynamic musical panorama.”
CEO Harvey Mason Jr. added, “The modifications superior by our Recording Academy members communicate to the breadth of immediately’s music business and the various genres, crafts and creators shaping it. We’re excited to see these updates come to life within the yr forward as we rejoice the […] people who find themselves driving music ahead.”
BTS Has Lengthy Considered The Grammys As An Vital Purpose
The group’s determination carries additional weight due to its lengthy historical past with the Recording Academy.
Though BTS has collected numerous awards around the globe, a Grammy victory has remained one of many few main milestones nonetheless lacking from its résumé.
The members have by no means hidden their ambitions. Throughout a 2020 interview with Esquire, chief and principal rapper RM described the Grammys as “the ultimate a part of the entire American journey.”
That journey started with the group’s first Grammy nomination for “Dynamite” earlier than “Butter” earned one other nomination the next yr.
In 2022, BTS returned to the poll with “My Universe,” its collaboration with Coldplay, together with recognition for its look on “Music of the Spheres” and “But To Come.”
BTS’s Newest Music Nonetheless Raises Eligibility Questions
Even when BTS had chosen to compete this yr, uncertainty remained over how a number of the group’s latest songs would match inside the Recording Academy’s up to date guidelines.
The Academy has said that multilingual recordings should function an Asian language in a big technique to qualify for Finest Asian Pop Music Efficiency, noting that remoted phrases, ad-libs, or brief phrases alone wouldn’t meet the usual.
That guideline leaves questions surrounding tracks from BTS’s newest album, “Arirang.” Whereas lead single “Swim” accommodates no Korean lyrics, songs together with “Physique to Physique,” “Hooligan,” and “2.0” incorporate Korean verses, making their eligibility unclear underneath the Academy’s standards.
BTS Swept The 2026 AMAs Earlier than Turning Down The Grammys
BTS’s determination to skip this yr’s Grammy race is much more hanging contemplating the group’s momentum on the worldwide awards circuit.
Simply months earlier, the Okay-pop superstars emerged as one of many largest winners on the 2026 American Music Awards, taking dwelling three trophies, together with the night time’s high honor, Artist of the 12 months.
The group additionally gained Favourite Okay-Pop Male Artist and Track of the Summer time, cementing its continued dominance regardless of an prolonged interval targeted on solo actions and army service.
The ceremony additionally marked a serious night time for Okay-pop general, with TWICE profitable Favourite Okay-Pop Feminine Artist and rookie woman group KATSEYE incomes New Artist of the 12 months, displaying the style’s increasing affect on the worldwide music scene.
