LOS ANGELES: The Recording Academy is reviewing its newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category after South Korean group BTS decided not to submit its work for this year’s Grammy Awards.
According to the Recording Academy, Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr. and other Grammy officials have held discussions with representatives from various Asian music communities, including K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and Indian music, to assess how the new category could be improved.
Mason Jr. said the Academy wants to ensure that artists and different music communities feel properly represented by the Grammy Awards.
He acknowledged that discussions with artists and other stakeholders had revealed concerns about whether the new category accurately reflects the music being created across Asia.
BTS announced last month that the group would not take part in this year’s Grammy submission process. In a statement, the members said they hoped music would be appreciated for its artistic value rather than being divided according to region or language.
The Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was announced in June but soon attracted criticism, particularly over its eligibility and language-related requirements.
Some critics have also questioned whether creating a separate category for Asian pop could reduce opportunities for Asian artists to compete in the Grammys’ broader general categories.
Mason Jr. had previously expressed disappointment over BTS’ decision but said he respected the group’s position as fellow music creators.
The Academy’s review is taking place ahead of the Grammy submission deadline, with the first round of voting scheduled to begin on October 12.
