Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
The Recording Academy is considering removing its best Asian pop award.
After Korean pop group BTS decided not to submit to the Grammys in 2027, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr said he had taken the criticism of the new award “to heart” and was considering the academy’s options.
According to Billboard, he said: “The Grammy organisation exists to serve all music people, and part of that is working to ensure that no voice or community gets overlooked or misunderstood.
“It’s clear from our numerous conversations with many stakeholders over the past two weeks that, regardless of our intent and desire to be even more inclusive, there are some artists in this space who feel that this category isn’t representing the music they work so hard to create, in the way they wish.
“As a musician myself, I take that to heart.
“Over the past six years, the academy has shown that it can act decisively and move swiftly to meet the needs of our music community.
“The management and board are committed to working together to keep pace with that progress and ensure the musicians we intend to honour feel truly seen and heard by our actions.”
In July, BTS band members released a statement revealing they would not submit their music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards inFebruary.
They said: “We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.”
BTS have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019.
Following their announcement, Mason said he was “saddened” and insisted the best Asian pop category was not intended to sideline K-Pop artists.
