BTS have said they will not put their music forward for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, in a message posted on each member’s Instagram Story that fans have read as a reaction to reforms introduced by the Recording Academy.
Statement shared across members’ accounts
All seven members — RM, Jin, J‑Hope, Jimin, Jungkook, Suga and V — posted the same short note to their individual Instagram Stories on Wednesday. In it, the group said they had decided against submitting for Grammy consideration this year, adding that they wanted their work to be appreciated without being divided by region or language.
“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 the Army and everyone who has always stood by us.”
The announcement came about a month after the Recording Academy revealed several new award categories, including a Best Asian Pop Music Performance prize intended to recognise excellence in pop music performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, and which may feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
What this means for BTS and the Grammys
The group’s decision halts any expected Grammy campaign for material released after their return from military service, most notably their comeback album Arirang, which arrived in March and contains the singles “Swim” and “Normal”. Industry observers had anticipated nominations for the record after the band’s return to touring and high‑profile performances.
BTS have been prominent figures in the Grammys conversation for years. They have accumulated five Grammy nominations to date, though a win has so far eluded them.
| Year / Category | Work |
|---|---|
| Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (three consecutive nominations) | “Dynamite”, “Butter”, “My Universe” |
| 2023 (as featured artist) | Album of the Year — Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres |
| 2023 | Best Music Video — “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” |
Earlier this month the group also performed during the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium, in a set that included Madonna and other guest artists.
Reactions and wider implications
Fans and commentators immediately connected the timing and tone of BTS’s message to the Academy’s new category. Some supporters interpreted the band’s choice as a protest against categorising Asian pop into a separate award, arguing that doing so risks segregating music by geography or language rather than recognising it alongside mainstream pop.
The Recording Academy has described the new category as a way to recognise artistic excellence in Asian pop performances from or widely recognised in Asian markets, explicitly referencing styles such as K‑pop, J‑pop and C‑pop and noting the role of Asian languages in eligible entries. The Academy has been contacted for comment about BTS’s withdrawal.
- Fans have taken the band’s posts as a principled stand about how non‑English music is evaluated on global stages.
- The Academy broadened its awards line‑up with regional categories, arguing these allow for better recognition of diverse music scenes.
- BTS remain a global draw, with touring and festival commitments following their military service hiatus.
Their announcement does not preclude future engagement with the Grammys, but it is a notable public rebuke at a moment of institutional change. As the debate continues about how major Western awards should accommodate non‑Western pop, BTS’s withdrawal will be watched closely by artists, industry figures and international fan communities.
Further developments are expected as the Recording Academy finalises details around the new categories and as BTS continues to promote their recent work on tour.
