Grammys reconsider Best Asian Pop Music category after BTS's withdrawal

The Recording Academy is reviewing the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category after BTS declined to submit for the 2025 Grammys, according to a Rolling Stone report. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. had defended the category’s inclusion, but new discussions with artists, record labels and fans suggest the award may be altered or removed before the ceremony in Los Angeles on February 12.

The category was added in 2024 to broaden the Grammys’ representation of global music and to give a platform to Korean, Japanese, Chinese and other Asian‑origin artists. Critics argued that the label “Asian pop” lumps together vastly different styles and that the category’s voting panel lacks enough industry insiders familiar with the genre. BTS’s decision to skip the category—citing the group’s own “self‑reflection” process and a desire not to be pigeonholed—sparked a wave of complaints from fans and fellow musicians who felt the category was both a step forward and a token gesture.

Mason’s initial defense highlighted the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity and said the category would help showcase talent that had historically been overlooked. Yet, industry insiders say the Academy is now weighing the feedback. The new conversations involve Asian‑American record executives, streaming platforms, and artists who want clearer criteria and a more transparent voting system. If the category is dropped, the Academy would need to announce a replacement or merge it with existing genres, a move that could affect the number of nominees and the distribution of awards across the board.

The Academy is expected to release a statement by the end of the month. If the category is altered, it could set a precedent for how the Grammys handle niche genres in the future, potentially reshaping the awards’ approach to diversity and representation. The outcome will be closely watched by artists worldwide, as it signals whether the Academy can balance innovation with genuine inclusion.