Global pop sensation and 14-time AMA award winners, as well as 21 Daesang holders, Bangtan Sonyeondan, known to fans as BTS, have officially decided not to submit music for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
This comes barely months after the Grammys released new music categories. The categories include:
- Best Asian Pop Music Performance
- Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance
- Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
- Best Traditional Folk Album
- Best Latin Song
The Grammys further went on to release new rules banning the submission of one track in more than one performance category.
“Only one version of a recording is eligible in a performance category in any year. A recording which is eligible and entered in another performance category is not also eligible in Best Asian Pop Music Performance for a different version featuring an Asian language performance.”
In an Instagram Story posted by all seven members, they thanked their fans for their support and revealed their hope that music should be heard for what it is and not be segregated.
“We have decided not to submit for the Grammys this year. We hope that music can be heard and appreciated for what it is, rather than being defined by region or language. Thank you to ARMY and to everyone who has always supported us.”
This move has had social media abuzz, as there have been rumours of racism within the Grammys. The discussion has further raised questions among netizens online about the validity of these new categories and whether they are nothing but a way to separate artists based on race.
In response to BTS’ statement and online rumours, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed sorrow over the group’s decision in an Instagram post and clarified that the new category was created to promote diversity at the Grammy Awards.
“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.”
“I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”
He also explained that submitting music in any genre category does not bar an artist from submitting to the General Field categories, such as Album of the Year.
“I also want to be very clear: submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.”
“Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre. Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both.”
Whether BTS would submit their songs for consideration after his statement remains a mystery. However, this issue has opened a new discussion on race and the appreciation of music creators who aren’t part of the majority. Is the internet misguided about the good intentions of the Grammys, or are the Grammys racist towards non-Americans and people of colour? Only time will tell.
Story by Anita Azawodie|univers.ug.edu.gh
