With the group BTS declining to submit entries, the Grammys are reconsidering the establishment of a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance institutional sector.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement, "The Grammy organization exists for all music professionals and that one of its roles is to ensure that no voice or community is overlooked or misunderstood."
He added, "Over the past two weeks, after speaking with many stakeholders, it became clear that regardless of the intentions and hopes to move in a more inclusive direction, some artists in this field feel that this institutional sector does not represent the music they have worked so hard to create in the way they want. As a musician myself, I take this issue seriously."
He went on, "Over the past six years the academy has shown it can act decisively and move quickly to meet the needs of the music community. Management and the board are working together to keep pace with this momentum, and we will ensure that the musicians we seek to honor truly feel respected and that their voices are being heard through our actions."
The Recording Academy said it will convene its full board and the awards and nominations committee to seek advice on the process of introducing the new category and award institutional sector.
It said Mason and other Grammy officials have been in discussions with artists and industry representatives representing K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and the Indian music scene.
Earlier, the Grammys announced they would add several new categories at the next awards, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance. Afterward, BTS said, "We have decided not to submit entries to the Grammys this year. We hope music can be heard and loved as music itself rather than being divided by region or language," announcing a Grammys boycott.
Harvey Mason said, "I was saddened to hear that BTS decided not to participate in the Grammys submission process this year. But as a creator myself, I understand and respect their decision," and issued a statement saying, "The Asian pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and remarkable growth of pop art originating in Asia. The intent of this new category is to shine focused light on Asia's great artists."
[Photo] Provided by BigHit Music (HYBE).
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