Korean pop group BTS has announced its withdrawal from consideration for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The band stated its decision not to submit music for the prestigious awards, expressing a desire for music to be heard and loved for its intrinsic value, rather than being categorized by region or language. This move comes after their latest album, Arirang, became one of the year's biggest sellers globally.
The group's lead single, 'Swim', a US number one hit, was widely predicted to be a strong contender for Song of the Year. However, its predominantly English lyrics would have excluded it from the newly introduced 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' prize. This new category, announced last month, mandates that nominated songs must contain a "meaningful use" of an Asian language. Over 80% of the lyrics on BTS's successful album Arirang are in English.
This development fits into a broader discussion about how global music, particularly K-Pop, is recognized by Western award bodies. The Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys, has been grappling with the rising popularity of K-Pop for several years. In 2025, the Academy expanded its voting body to include prominent artists and producers from Korea. This year, members of Twice and Stray Kids also gained voting privileges, aiming to increase representation.
The band's statement, made via a coordinated Instagram post from all seven members, directly referenced both region and language. This suggests a direct response to the new category and the sentiment among some fans that it pigeonholes Asian artists. Ashia Davies, a 27-year-old fan, called the new category "disrespectful" and believes it keeps Western artists in a separate category. Lauryn Adene, another fan, expressed happiness at the group's decision, stating they "don't have a point to prove."
The implications of BTS's withdrawal are significant for the Grammy Awards and the global music industry. It highlights a growing dissatisfaction among international artists regarding how their work is categorized and judged. This decision could prompt further re-evaluation of award criteria and categories to better reflect the diverse and interconnected nature of contemporary music. Decision-makers at the Recording Academy will likely face increased pressure to address these concerns to maintain the awards' relevance and credibility among global artists and audiences.
BTS, formed in 2013, has become one of pop music's biggest-selling acts worldwide. Their current world tour is expected to rival the box office success of Taylor Swift's Eras concerts. They were the first K-Pop band to receive a Grammy nomination in 2021 for 'Dynamite', their first song performed entirely in English. All seven members have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019. Despite multiple nominations, including in best pop duo/group performance, the group has never won a Grammy. This withdrawal places them alongside other notable artists like The Weeknd and Drake, who have previously boycotted or criticized the awards over various issues, including perceived biases in recognition.