Grammy CEO breaks silence on BTS’ absence

The Recording Academy has responded to BTS’ decision to stay out of this year’s Grammy Awards process, with CEO Harvey Mason Jr. issuing an official statement defending the Academy’s newly introduced Asian Pop category and reaffirming that artists remain eligible for the top Grammy honours regardless of genre.

The statement comes after BTS announced on Wednesday that the group would not submit its music for Grammy consideration this year. The seven-member group: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook said, “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 Army and everyone who has always stood by us,” as quoted by Deadline.

Responding to the announcement, Mason said he respected the group’s decision while expressing disappointment over their absence from the awards process.

“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision,” he wrote in an official social media post.