Stray Kids have joined BTS in not submitting music for the 2027 Grammys, which add a Best Asian Pop category. Overdue recognition for Asian pop, or a way to sideline it?
The Recording Academy says the award, for songs with meaningful use of an Asian language, celebrates Asian pop's growth and doesn't stop artists entering the main categories. It kept the category after a review. BTS said music shouldn't be divided by region or language; Stray Kids' label gave no reason.
What happened
The Recording Academy announced Best Asian Pop Music Performance in June as one of several new categories for the 69th Grammys, for songs with "meaningful use of one or more Asian languages". On 29 July BTS said in a joint Instagram post that they would not submit work this year. On 2 October, JYP Entertainment confirmed that Stray Kids "did not submit for the Grammys", without giving a reason. The Academy reviewed the category after the criticism and has confirmed it will go ahead. The ceremony is on 7 February 2027.
Why people disagree
Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr. says the category celebrates the growth of pop from Asia, that artists can still enter the general categories, and that "the loudest feedback" in its review came from supporters. Critics say a separate award could "ghettoise" Asian pop and let voters honour its artists without seriously considering them for prizes such as Album of the Year. BTS said they hope music can be "heard and loved for itself, beyond regions or languages".
What's still unclear
JYP has not said why Stray Kids did not submit, so the link to the new category is an inference from the timing. It is also unclear whether other acts will follow, or whether the category will continue beyond 2027.
Sources
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