BTS Won’t Submit For 2027 Grammys Consideration — And Why It Matters
BTS has announced they will bypass the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing concerns that the new category divides music by region and language.
BTS has officially announced they will not submit their latest album, *ARIRANG*, for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, citing concerns over the Recording Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Performance category. The decision, revealed through coordinated Instagram posts by all seven members on July 29, 2026, comes a month after the category’s announcement, which the group views as exclusionary.
BTS’s Official Statement and Reasoning
The group’s statement, shared across individual Instagram stories, read: “We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” The message emphasized their belief that music should transcend geographic and linguistic boundaries, a sentiment echoed in their recent work. The group’s fifth studio album, *ARIRANG*, released in March 2026, topped charts globally, including the Billboard 200, Japan’s Oricon Charts, and the UK Official Albums Chart. Its lead single, “SWIM,” became their seventh No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with all tracks except “No. 29” charting on the Hot 100.
The decision to forgo Grammy consideration contrasts with BTS’s historical engagement with the awards. Since their 2021 debut nomination for “Dynamite” in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, the group has been nominated five times across three years without a win. Their 2023 performance at the Grammys, which included a medley of “Butter” and “My Universe” with Coldplay, was met with mixed reactions, as the group’s presence often felt peripheral to the main event.
The Context of the New Grammy Category
The Recording Academy’s introduction of the Best Asian Pop Performance category in June 2026 has been a focal point of BTS’s decision. Under the new rules, eligible entries must feature “meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.” However, *ARIRANG*’s lyrics are predominantly in English, with over 80% of the tracks written in the language. This exclusion from the new category, combined with the group’s broader critique of the Grammys’ regional categorization, appears to have influenced their withdrawal.
BTS’s stance aligns with broader frustrations within K-pop communities about the Grammys’ approach to Asian artists. Critics argue that the new category risks “pigeonholing” K-pop and other Asian music into a separate bracket, rather than recognizing its global influence. The group’s statement explicitly references this concern, framing their decision as a rejection of divisions based on “region and language.”
BTS’s History With the Grammys
Despite their lack of wins, BTS has long regarded the Grammys as a symbol of industry recognition. SUGA told *Variety* in 2020, “I grew up watching American award shows, so obviously, we all know and I know the importance of the Grammys. It’s a dream anyone working in music has.” RM, meanwhile, acknowledged the award’s role in motivating the group’s creative efforts, calling it “the ultimate recognition.”
However, the group’s perspective has evolved over time. Following their 2022 Grammy loss, RM addressed fans during a Las Vegas concert, stating, “We didn’t come to Vegas for the Grammys. We came to Vegas for the ARMYs.” This sentiment underscores a shift in priorities, with the members emphasizing fan connection and artistic integrity over industry accolades.
Industry Reactions and Unanswered Questions
The Recording Academy has yet to issue a formal response to BTS’s decision. Meanwhile, the group’s move has sparked discussions about the Grammys’ evolving role in representing global music. The introduction of the Asian Pop Performance category follows years of pressure to acknowledge K-pop’s dominance, particularly after the 2025 expansion of the Academy’s voting membership to include Korean artists like Enhypen’s Jungwon and Seventeen’s Woozi.
BTS’s refusal to participate also raises questions about the future of K-pop’s engagement with the Grammys. While the group’s solo projects remain unconfirmed for Grammy consideration, their unified statement suggests a collective stance against what they perceive as systemic barriers. As the Grammys continue to navigate their relationship with international music, BTS’s decision may signal a broader trend of artists prioritizing authenticity over traditional industry validation.
What Comes Next?
BTS’s World Tour *ARIRANG* continues, with stops across North America, Europe, and Asia. The group’s focus on global fan engagement, rather than awards, reflects a strategic pivot toward maintaining their cultural impact outside of Western-centric institutions. Meanwhile, the Grammys face mounting scrutiny over their ability to adapt to the music industry’s shifting landscape. As the 2027 ceremony approaches, the absence of BTS from the ballot could reshape conversations about the awards’ relevance and inclusivity.
