BTS Withdraws From Grammys After Addition of New Asian Pop Category
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was saddened after BTS announced it will not submit music for the 69th Grammy Awards following the introduction of a new Asian Pop category.
All seven members of the K-pop group BTS shared the same message across their respective social media accounts on Wednesday, announcing that they will not submit music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards. The group removed themselves from consideration in apparent protest following the Recording Academy's introduction of a new category, Best Asian Pop Music Performance.[1][2]
The decision sent shockwaves through the music industry, prompting a response from the Recording Academy. On Wednesday, shortly after the announcement, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated that he was saddened by the group's withdrawal. While addressing the situation, Mason defended the newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, asserting that its purpose is never to divide.[1]
