The Recording Academy will move ahead with its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 Grammy Awards despite controversy surrounding the award, CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has confirmed.
Mason addressed the continuing debate in a statement, acknowledging that the Academy’s decision would not satisfy everyone but confirming that the category would remain part of the upcoming ceremony.
Introduced in June as one of five new awards for the 2027 Grammys, the category is intended to recognise artistic excellence in Asian pop performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets.
It encompasses genres including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop and requires meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
Category Draws Criticism
The decision has faced criticism from some artists, including BTS, who announced in July that they would not submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammys.
According to the supplied report, the group said it wanted its music to be heard and appreciated without being divided according to region or language.
The Recording Academy subsequently indicated that it was reconsidering the category following discussions with artists and music executives representing K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, India and other parts of the Asian music community.
In August, Mason said the Academy was listening to artists who felt the new category did not represent their music in the way they wanted.
Mason Defends New Award
Mason has maintained that the category was created to recognise the growth and diversity of Asian pop rather than isolate Asian performers from the Grammys’ broader awards.
He also clarified that artists competing in the Asian pop category would remain eligible to submit their work for the Grammys’ General Field awards, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
The Recording Academy has described Asian pop as a significant and sustained force in the global music industry, with the new award intended to recognise music emerging from major markets including K-pop, J-pop and Mandopop.
Despite the debate, the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will now remain on the programme for the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 7, 2027.
