BTS’s decision not to submit works to the 69th Grammys has created a major debate in the music industry.
After many years of being nominated but never winning, the group’s proactive departure from the race not only raises questions about BTS’s future at the Grammys but also makes public opinion look back at the position of this prestigious award in the global music era.
BTS proactively closes a race
On July 29, BTS announced that they would not submit any works to the 2027 Grammys. The group said they want music to be evaluated by artistic value instead of being divided by region or language.
This move took place after Recording Academy announced the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. Although BTS did not directly mention this category, many opinions believe that the group’s decision is a protest message against Asian artists being separated into a separate category.
Previously, BTS had been nominated for Grammys many times, becoming the first K-pop artist to make a mark at the most prestigious music award in the United States. However, the group has never won despite continuously setting records for sales, online streams and global influence.
It is noteworthy that this time BTS did not fail in the nomination round, but actively gave up the opportunity to compete. This is a big difference, showing that the group no longer sees the Grammys as the only destination to affirm their position.
Grammys are also facing pressure to change
For many years, the Grammys have been seen as a measure of artist success in the international market. However, the development of online music listening platforms has changed the way an artist’s influence is assessed.
BTS is a clear proof. The group owns a series of global hits, stadium tours with sold-out tickets and a large fan community without a Grammy statuette to affirm their value.
In the opposite direction, Grammy also needs influential artists like BTS to maintain their appeal in the context of an increasingly diverse music market. Therefore, the group’s announcement not to participate has created a debate beyond the scope of an award.
If BTS continues to stand outside the Grammys in the coming years, the group will close the opportunity to conquer the trophy that is missing in their career. But the Grammys may also lose one of the most influential artists in the world.
Therefore, the question “BTS and Grammy: Who needs whom more?” may not have an absolute answer. What is clearer is that the relationship between artists and music awards is changing.
When influence is no longer decided by just one cup, both BTS and Grammy are facing the choice of adapting to continue to maintain their value in global music.
