BTS Won’t Submit for 2027 Grammy Awards Consideration

In a surprising move that has stirred discussions across the music industry, South Korean supergroup BTS declared they will not submit their work for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 7, 2027. This decision was collectively shared by each of the seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — through their individual Instagram platforms, underscoring a unified stance on the matter.

The group’s statement emphasized a desire for their music to transcend divisions based on geography or language, expressing hope that their art is appreciated on its own merits rather than through regional or linguistic categories. BTS extended gratitude to their global fanbase, known as ARMY, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout the group’s career.

This announcement arrives shortly after the Recording Academy introduced a new category titled Best Asian Pop Music Performance. This category aims to acknowledge outstanding artistic contributions from Asian pop artists, including genres like K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, with eligibility criteria focusing on performances featuring one or more Asian languages. The establishment of this category reflects the Academy’s efforts to broaden its recognition of diverse musical influences and markets.

Despite this addition, BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy submission process for the upcoming awards. Their history with the Grammys includes previous nominations in categories such as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video; however, a win has eluded them thus far. Notably, since 2019, all BTS members have been voting members of the Recording Academy, highlighting their active involvement in the industry’s peer recognition system.

The decision to forgo Grammy consideration unfolds amid heightened anticipation for BTS potentially securing their first Grammy win. This anticipation was fueled by the release of their fifth studio album, "Arirang," earlier this year. The album marked a significant return for the group following the completion of their mandatory military service obligations. "Arirang" achieved commercial success, ascending to the top of Billboard’s main singles and albums charts, and elicited a strong global response.

Currently, BTS is engaged in their "World Tour Arirang," having recently concluded their European leg with a performance in Paris. Their international presence was further solidified by their participation in a historic halftime show at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. This event marked the first-ever halftime show in the tournament’s 96-year history. BTS shared the stage during this eleven-minute segment with global artists Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, performing their 2020 hit "Dynamite".

For the World Cup appearance, each member donned custom-designed red attire featuring their individual names and the number seven, symbolizing the group. The tour is set to resume stateside starting August 1, beginning once again at MetLife Stadium, illustrating BTS’s sustained momentum in live performances.

While details surrounding the rationale behind BTS’s decision remain limited, the timing and context suggest a strategic and artistic choice reflecting their broader vision for how their music is received and categorized internationally. The Recording Academy has yet to publicly comment on BTS’s withdrawal or its implications for the newly created Asian pop category.

BTS’s withdrawal from Grammy consideration at this juncture invites reflection on the evolving dynamics between global artists and traditional Western award institutions. As BTS continues to command a formidable presence in the global music scene, their choices may signal shifts in how international artists engage with such platforms in the future.