The Grammys have responded to BTS’s bold decision to withhold their music from award consideration entirely.
The drama began shortly after the Recording Academy unveiled a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category to recognize excellence in the Asian markets. The move has since been interpreted as discriminatory, sparking intense backlash.
However, the Grammys insist that it is the total opposite of their intention towards K-Pop artists.
In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his disappointment at BTS’ refusal to compete, writing:
“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision.”
Mason, however, proceeded to clarify the award body’s motive, saying the new category was created to “celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth,” shining a bigger spotlight on the Asian pop scene. According to the Grammys, this move means more artists will be recognized.
Explaining that this truth has been “lost in the conversation,” Mason added that “It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
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The CEO also noted that the creation of new classifications like the Asian, Jazz, Country, and African categories doesn’t mean artists can’t submit and be considered for General Awards like Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both,” Mason reiterated.
The statement concluded, emphasizing that the mission statement of the Grammys is to serve music and those who listen and create it.
Fans Riot Against Grammys For ‘Tone Deaf’ Statement
The post soon caused another eruption of backlash from the global music community, who interpreted it as dodging accountability.
“Harvey Mason Jr.’s response is a masterclass in corporate gaslighting that completely ignores how the Recording Academy actually operates,” one user penned.
Others considered why there wasn’t the creation of categories like European, Canadian, and British. Instead, the move was targeted at non-English-speaking nationalities.
Another similar remark read, “His statement just proves that the Grammys and himself are tone deaf. Rather than listen to what poc artists have been saying for years, they choose to attempt to rewrite the narrative.
BTS Wants Music To Be Heard, Not Categorized
CEO Mason Jr.’s comment comes a day after the South Korean boy band revealed its plan not to compete in this year’s award cycle.
As The Blast reported, each member of the group, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, posted the announcement on their individual pages in solidarity.
“We decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We want music to be heard and loved for what it is, rather than categorized by region or language,” it read.
Although the group didn’t make any reference to the Grammys’ Asian Pop Category, the timing was enough proof for their large fanbase.
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Questions soon arose about whether the category would do more harm than good, sidelining K-Pop Artists as a form of celebration, but not acknowledging them enough to make them compete alongside others.
However, the Grammys explained that it was a move to acknowledge the ever-evolving global music landscape.
Nevertheless, BTS’ decision to opt out mustn’t have come easy for the beloved boy group, given that they are yet to take home the prestigious award despite their many accolades.
In a 2020 interview, band leader RM opened up about their goal to win a Grammy because “the final part of the whole American journey.”
Since first coming on the US scene in 2017, BTS has been nominated five times. In 2021, “Dynamite” earned recognition for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The following year, their hit song, “Butter,” competed in the same category.
2023 saw the group earn three separate nominations for the Coldplay collaboration, “My Universe,” along with recognition for its appearance on “Music of the Spheres” and “Yet To Come,” in the music video categories.
