Grammys CEO confirms new Asian Pop category will go ahead despite controversy
The category was introduced in June as one of five new awards for the 2027 Grammys
The Recording Academy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will go ahead at the 2027 Grammy Awards despite controversy surrounding the award, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has confirmed.
Mason addressed the ongoing debate in a statement, saying the Academy understands that its decision will not satisfy everyone but that the category will remain part of the upcoming Grammy Awards.
The category was introduced in June as one of five new awards for the 2027 Grammys. It is designed to recognise artistic excellence in Asian pop performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
The decision has faced criticism from some artists, including BTS, who announced in July that they would not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammys. The group said they wanted their music to be heard and appreciated without being divided by region or language.
The Recording Academy had previously indicated that it was reconsidering the new category following discussions with artists and music executives from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, India and other parts of the Asian music community. In August, Mason said the organisation was listening to concerns from artists who felt the category did not represent their music in the way they wanted.
Mason has also previously defended the creation of the category, saying it was intended to recognise the growth and diversity of Asian pop rather than separate artists from the Grammys’ wider awards. He clarified that artists competing in a genre category can still submit for the General Field awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
The Recording Academy originally described Asian pop as one of the significant and sustained forces in the global music industry. Mason said the new category would provide recognition for music from markets including K-pop, J-pop and Mandopop.
The Best Asian Pop Music Performance award will therefore remain in place for the 69th Grammy Awards, which are scheduled to take place on February 7, 2027.
