Grammys may reconsider Asian Pop category after BTS withdrawal
SAN JUAN, La Union — The Recording Academy will come to a decision regarding the future of the newly-created Asian Pop Grammy following discourse with industry leaders and fans.
The Grammy for Asian Pop Music Performance was one of five new categories announced by the Academy last June meant to honor "artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop."
It drew mixed reactions online, with some critics saying it boxes Asian artists into a separate category instead of recognizing them alongside global peers.
Such a response became more clear-cut when powerhouse K-pop group BTS announced it would not be submitting its comeback best-selling album "Arirang" next year's Grammy Awards.
"We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year," BTS members said in coordinated posts on their individual Instagram accounts. "We hope that music is heard and loved for what it is, rather than being defined by region or language."
Grammys chief executive officer Harvey Mason Jr. issued a statement lamenting the boy band's decision, clarifying that the category "was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia" and "shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists."
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Sources told a number of entertainment outlets that Academy executives spoke with industry leaders and artists likely associated with the Asian Pop Music Performance category and are now convening its Board and Awards & Nominations Committee for advice how to proceed, among other tasks.
A decision should come soon though as the deadline for the upcoming Grammys is on August 21 and the first round of voting begins October 12.
Mason released a new statement acknowledging discussions with stakeholders while reiterating the organization's mission "to serve all music people" and "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," he said.
Mason noted how the Academy since the pandmice has acted quickly on similar decisions and fellow executive are "committed to working together to keep pace with that progress and ensure the musicians we intend to honor feel truly seen and heard by our actions." — with reports from Agence France-Presse
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