BTS Will Not Enter ‘Arirang’ Songs for Consideration at 2027 Grammy Awards

BTS has made a formal decision to sit out the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group members collectively announced they will not submit their comeback album Arirang for consideration. This choice comes as the Recording Academy faces criticism over the introduction of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.

The members posted identical statements on their accounts to explain their position. They stated that music should exist on its own merits rather than through regional or linguistic labels. This phrasing highlights a disagreement with the new Grammy guidelines, which require tracks to include meaningful use of an Asian language to qualify for the specific pop category.

This move carries significant weight for the Recording Academy. BTS stands as a major draw for the annual telecast and carries a global audience. The group previously performed at the ceremony twice, including their notable 2022 appearance in Las Vegas. Their absence removes one of the most commercially significant acts from the pool of potential nominees.

Industry observers point to the constraints of the new category as a point of contention. While artists are still eligible for the major General Field awards like Album of the Year, a specific song can only compete in one performance category. By entering a song into the Asian Pop category, an artist loses the chance to compete in other mainstream pop performance fields with that same track. This limitation creates a barrier for artists who produce music that transcends regional boundaries.

BTS maintains a record of success in the US music industry. Their latest album Arirang debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 charts with over 640,000 units moved during its opening week. The group remains highly influential, and their decision to abstain reflects ongoing tensions between global artists and the traditional award structures of the recording industry.