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BTS Snubs 2027 Grammys: “We Won’t Submit”
BTS Skips Grammy Submissions: "We Want Our Music Heard for What It Is"
Quick Summary: Global superstars BTS have announced they won’t submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The decision comes right after the Recording Academy created a new "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category—sparking conversations about how global music gets categorized and recognized.
What Happened?
On Wednesday, all seven members of BTS—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—posted the exact same statement on their personal Instagram accounts:
"We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us."
This announcement is for the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 7, 2027.
Why This Matters: The Backstory
The New Category That Changed Everything
Just over a month before BTS’s announcement, the Recording Academy (the organization behind the Grammys) unveiled a brand-new category:
"Best Asian Pop Music Performance"
According to the Academy, this category recognizes:
- Artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances
- Music originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets
- Genres including K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and more
- Meaningful use of one or more Asian languages
- Awards go to the performing artist(s)
The Timing Raises Questions
Many fans and industry watchers noticed the timing:
- New category created → specifically for Asian pop music
- BTS opts out → the biggest K-pop group in history declines to participate
- Statement mentions → "divided by region or language"
This has led to widespread discussion about whether the new category celebrates Asian music or segregates it from mainstream categories like "Record of the Year" or "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance."
BTS’s Grammy History: So Close, Yet So Far
| Year | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Dynamite") | Nominated |
| 2022 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Butter") | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Music Video ("Yet To Come") | Nominated |
| Total Wins | 0 |
Important: All seven members have been voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019—meaning they’ve had a seat at the table for years.
What BTS Has Been Up To Lately
The group hasn’t been sitting still. Here’s what they’ve accomplished recently:
New Album: Arirang (March 2026)
- Fifth studio album
- Released after all members completed mandatory military service
- Topped Billboard’s main singles AND albums charts
- Massive global response
World Tour Arirang
- European leg just finished in Paris
- ~720,000 fans attended the European shows combined
- U.S. leg kicks off August 1 at MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show
- July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium
- First halftime show EVER in a World Cup final (96-year history!)
- Performed "Dynamite" (2020 hit) in an 11-minute set
- Shared stage with Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber
- Wore custom red tour outfits with each member’s name + the number 7
Why This Decision Feels Different
Key Insight: This isn’t about "snubbing" the Grammys. It’s about principle.
BTS is saying: "Judge our music on its merit—not on where we’re from or what language we sing in."
By refusing to submit to a category that requires "meaningful use of Asian languages," they’re challenging the idea that their music belongs in a separate box.
Summary
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | BTS (all 7 members) |
| What | Won’t submit music for 2027 Grammy consideration |
| When | Announced Wednesday; 69th Grammys = Feb 7, 2027 |
| Why | Want music judged on artistry, not region/language |
| Context | New "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category created weeks prior |
| Current Status | On world tour; just made World Cup history; album Arirang topping charts |
FAQ
Does this mean BTS is boycotting the Grammys forever?
Not necessarily. They’ve said "this year"—leaving the door open for future ceremonies. Their statement focuses on this cycle and the current category structure.
Can BTS still win a Grammy if they don’t submit?
No. Artists (or their labels) must actively submit recordings for consideration. No submission = no nomination = no win.
Is the new "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category a bad thing?
It’s complicated. Pros: More visibility for Asian artists. Cons: Can feel like a "ghetto" that keeps Asian pop out of general categories. BTS’s move suggests they see it as the latter.
Will this hurt BTS’s chances at future Grammys?
Hard to say. The Recording Academy might take note—or might not. But BTS has massive global influence, and this statement itself is a powerful moment in music industry conversations.
What does "Army" mean in their statement?
ARMY (Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth) is the official name of BTS’s global fanbase. They’re thanking their fans for unwavering support.
Final Thought
BTS isn’t just a band—they’re a cultural force reshaping how the world thinks about language, borders, and belonging in music. By stepping back from the Grammy game on their own terms, they’ve started a conversation that goes way beyond one awards show.
Music doesn’t need a category to matter. It just needs ears willing to listen.
Variety has reached out to the Recording Academy for comment. No response has been published as of this writing.
