BTS won't submit for 2027 Grammy Awards consideration

On July 29, 2026, the globally renowned K-pop group BTS announced that it will not submit its work for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The decision comes in response to the Recording Academy's introduction of new categories that the group rejects. According to reports from multiple outlets including Korea JoongAng Daily, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, the move is seen as a boycott of the awards process. The group's management has not issued a detailed statement, but the news has been widely covered in the entertainment press. This marks a significant stance by one of the world's most popular music acts against the Grammy Awards' evolving category structure.

Fans and industry observers are directly affected by this development. The ARMY, BTS's massive global fanbase, had anticipated potential nominations and wins for the group's recent releases. The decision means that BTS will not be eligible for any 2027 Grammy categories, including the newly introduced ones. The Recording Academy's changes, which reportedly include an Asian Pop category, have drawn criticism from some artists and fans who view them as marginalizing. By opting out, BTS is making a statement about the perceived inadequacy or tokenism of such categories. The group's absence from the submission list could impact viewership and engagement for the 2027 ceremony.

The move matters because it highlights ongoing tensions between major artists and award institutions over representation and categorization. BTS has previously been nominated for Grammy Awards, including a nod for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2021, but has yet to win. The group's decision to reject the new categories suggests a belief that these additions do not adequately honor their work or that of other Asian artists. It also underscores the power of top-tier acts to influence awards discourse. The boycott could pressure the Recording Academy to reconsider its approach to genre and regional categories.

Specific details from the source reports indicate that the announcement was made on July 29, 2026. The Korea JoongAng Daily broke the story, with subsequent confirmations from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Forbes noted that despite the boycott, BTS may still have its biggest year at the Grammys yet, though no specifics were provided. The new categories introduced by the Recording Academy for the 2027 awards have not been fully detailed in the sources, but the Asian Pop category is mentioned by 조선일보. BTS's decision not to submit applies to all categories for the 2027 cycle. No financial or contractual details were disclosed.

Background on BTS's Grammy history includes multiple nominations and performances. The group was first nominated in 2020 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with "Dynamite" and performed at the ceremony. They received subsequent nominations in 2022 and 2023 but did not secure a win. The Recording Academy has faced criticism in the past for its handling of diverse genres, leading to the creation of new categories over the years. The introduction of an Asian Pop category may be part of broader efforts to recognize global music, but BTS's rejection suggests dissatisfaction with this approach. The group has previously advocated for mainstream recognition rather than separate categories.

Looking ahead, the likely next steps involve the Recording Academy's response to the boycott. The Academy may issue a statement or reconsider the new categories before the 2027 ceremony. BTS's action could inspire other artists to follow suit, potentially affecting submission numbers. The group's future participation in Grammy events remains uncertain. Industry analysts will watch for any shifts in the awards' structure or outreach. For now, BTS's decision sets a precedent for how major acts can leverage their influence to challenge institutional decisions. The 2027 Grammy Awards, scheduled for early 2027, will proceed without submissions from one of the biggest names in music.