BTS Chooses to Skip 2027 Grammy Awards

BTS announced they will not submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The group expressed concerns about category divisions. In a unified statement, the members urged listeners to appreciate music without regional or language divides.

The band members shared the statement on their Instagram accounts. It read: “We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year. I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” The Recording Academy has not commented on this decision.

BTS was expected to be a strong contender for awards such as Album of the Year at the 69th Grammys. Their latest album, “Arirang,” is a top-selling record. The album’s single “Swim” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.

The Recording Academy recently introduced five new categories aimed at improving inclusivity. Under these, “Swim” might not qualify for Best Asian Pop Music Performance. The song is mostly in English, which might not fit the requirement for significant use of an Asian language in the song.

The rulebook specifies, “An Asian language should play a significant role within the song in bilingual or multilingual structures such that the recording is identifiable with that language.”

BTS debuted in 2013 and has been likened to The Beatles in global impact. Despite earning five Grammy nominations, they have yet to win. The group, known as “Bangtan Sonyeondan” or “Bulletproof Boy Scouts,” appreciates the unwavering support of their fans, known as the “Army.”

Recently, BTS performed in the U.S. during the World Cup final’s halftime show, highlighting their vast international appeal. The band conveyed gratitude to their fans in their announcement: “Thank you to Army and everyone who is always with us.”