Grammys Introduce Best Asian Pop Music Performance Category, Boosting BTS's Award Prospects

The Grammy Awards will introduce a new category dedicated to Asian pop music. With the growing global influence of K-pop and other Asian music, attention is turning to the potential for artists like BTS and BLACKPINK to win awards.

The Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammy Awards, announced on June 16 that starting with the 69th Grammy Awards, it will add five new categories, including the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance.'

The new categories include 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance,' 'Best Latin Song,' 'Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance,' 'Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance,' and 'Best Traditional Folk Album.'

The 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category is directly related to K-pop. It will recognize pop music that originated in or is widely recognized in Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. Works that meaningfully incorporate one or more Asian languages will be eligible, with the award presented to the performing artist.

The Recording Academy explained that the new category reflects the impact of Asian pop on the global music market. While K-pop artists have been nominated in major Grammy categories in the past, they have yet to win. BTS has received nominations for hits like 'Dynamite' and 'Butter,' and BLACKPINK's Rosé was nominated for 'APT,' but none have secured a win.

There have been instances of Grammy wins related to K-pop. The original soundtrack for the Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' titled 'Golden,' won an award at the 68th Grammy Awards, marking the first Grammy trophy awarded to the K-pop genre. However, no K-pop artist has won a Grammy directly.

The introduction of this new category is seen as increasing the chances for K-pop artists to win Grammy awards. Local media in the U.S. also predict that the establishment of the Asian pop category could provide opportunities for K-pop artists, including BTS.

Additionally, the Recording Academy has adjusted its rules regarding the Best New Artist category. The maximum number of submissions for candidates has increased from three to four. In the album category, songwriters of new songs will also be recognized as award recipients alongside producers and engineers.