The Recording Academy head explains the new award and clarifies submission rules for global artists
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. released a public statement on July 29, 2026, defending the new Asian Pop category. He responded directly to BTS after the group boycotted the upcoming Grammy Awards. Mason clarified that genre specific submissions do not block artists from winning general field awards.
The Recording Academy leader has broken his silence regarding a growing dispute over a new award. The statement arrives shortly after global music stars BTS announced a boycott of the upcoming Grammys.
Fans quickly criticised the academy for creating a separate space for Asian artists. This backlash started when the Korean music group decided to shun the major music event. The pop stars posted a blunt message explaining their exit on Wednesday.
”We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year,” the group wrote.
They expressed a strong desire for true artistic equality. The singers want the industry to judge art purely on its sound.
”I hope that music can be heard and loved for itself, rather than being distinguished by region or language,” the band declared.
The brief statement sparked a massive online movement among fans. The musicians made sure to appreciate their dedicated supporters before signing off. The Grammy boss quickly responded to defend the changes.
”Thank you to ARMY and everyone who is always with us,” the stars posted.
Mason explains the new award
Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the public via the official Grammys Instagram account on July 29, 2026. He acknowledged the decision by the popular pop group to skip the submission process.
”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,” Mason wrote.
The executive then shifted focus to the purpose of the new music tier. He stated that the academy wants to highlight the rapid growth of music from Asia. This statement attempts to calm fans who feel the academy treats international acts unfairly.
”I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation,” Mason noted.
The new bracket sparked debate among fans who feared it would sideline their favourite stars. Critics argued that Western artists rarely face geographic limits in their music genres.
”The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia,” he stated.
Mason firmly rejected claims that the academy wants to separate international stars from mainstream awards. He explained that adding awards simply allows voters to recognise more talent. The goal is to provide a clear space for these musicians to shine.
”The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists,” the CEO declared.
The Recording Academy relies on a massive voting body to determine award winners every year. Mason believes the new award offers a dedicated platform for these creators.
”More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized,” Mason explained.
He stressed that the academy wants to include more people rather than build walls. The executive hopes this change will bring more global art into the spotlight. He wants the massive voter base to see a wider variety of music.
”It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters,” he added.
General field rules clarified
A major concern among fans was that the new award would block access to top prizes. Mason directly addressed this fear by explaining the current submission rules.
”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,” he clarified.
The academy leader promised that artists remain eligible for the highest honours in music. This rule applies to all creators regardless of their specific music style. Fans previously worried that genre specific awards acted as a trap.
”Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre,” Mason confirmed.
He urged musicians to aim for both niche awards and the main prizes. The executive assured fans that the different tiers do not cancel each other out.
”Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive,” he wrote.
Mason encouraged artists to submit their music across multiple fields. He wants musicians to take full advantage of the current system. The academy designed these rules to maximise opportunities for everyone.
”An artist can absolutely pursue both,” the CEO stated.
The statement closed with a broad promise to the global music community. Mason pledged that the organisation will keep expanding its reach and awards.
”The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it,” Mason noted.
He noted that geography and language will not limit how the academy honours talent. The organisation plans to keep listening to voices from around the world. The academy wants to celebrate all creators who move audiences globally.
”As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world,” he concluded.
