Grammys Introduce Best Asian Pop Music Performance Category, BTS Expected to Win

The Grammy Awards will introduce a new category for 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 linked 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, and the award will be 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, they have yet to win. BTS has been nominated for songs like 'Dynamite' and 'Butter,' and BLACKPINK's Rosé was nominated for 'APT.' but did not 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 for the K-pop genre. However, no K-pop artist has won a Grammy directly.

The introduction of this new category is expected to increase the chances of K-pop artists winning Grammys. U.S. media outlets have also suggested that the establishment of the Asian pop category could provide opportunities for K-pop artists, including BTS.

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