BTS have confirmed they will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The announcement comes despite expectations that the group’s comeback album Arirang and its lead single “Swim” could compete in major categories including Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
The K-pop superstars shared the same statement across their individual Instagram accounts on Wednesday 29 July 2026, explaining why they had decided to step away from this year’s Grammy submissions.
BTS explain decision to skip 2027 Grammy submissions
RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook issued a joint statement saying:
“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.”
The decision follows the Recording Academy’s introduction of a new Grammy category, Best Asian Pop Music Performance, which was announced last month.
New Grammy category sparks debate
According to the Recording Academy’s eligibility rules, entries for Best Asian Pop Music Performance must include the “meaningful use” of one or more Asian languages.
The official category description states:
“This category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s).”
Although BTS are one of the world’s biggest K-pop acts, BBC News reported that more than 80% of the lyrics on Arirang are performed in English. As a result, the album would not qualify for the new category.
The announcement has divided opinion among music fans, with some arguing that creating a separate category risks placing Asian artists into a distinct lane rather than allowing them to compete across the main Grammy fields.
BTS remain without a Grammy win
BTS have received five Grammy nominations during their career but are yet to win their first award. The group has also been members of the Recording Academy since 2019.
Their latest album, Arirang, was released in March and marked the group’s first studio album in nearly six years. It also reunited all seven members following their hiatus to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Arirang world tour continues in North America
The group recently completed the European leg of the Arirang World Tour and are scheduled to resume the tour in North America on Saturday.
During a break in the tour schedule, BTS also performed at the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show in New Jersey alongside Justin Bieber and Madonna.
