The academy confirmed the Best Asian pop music performance category will proceed for the 2027 Grammys, an announcement made on 1 October 2026. The academy first announced five new categories, including the Asian pop category, on 16 June 2026.
The category aims to acknowledge artistic merit within Asian pop music performances, a goal supported by community feedback and numerous submissions. For a recording to qualify, it must feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, meaning performances solely in English are ineligible.
Voting procedures are set, with the first round running from 12 October 2026 until 22 October 2026. Nominees for the award will be revealed on 16 November 2026, followed by the final round of voting from 10 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The 69th annual Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 7 February 2027. Harvey Mason, jr. stated that the loudest feedback the academy received came from people who were enthusiastic supporters of the category.
Mason’s statement further noted that the category's continuation stems from discussions with various members of the community. The academy conducted listening sessions and engaged in dialogue with leaders of the Asian music community over the preceding weeks.
BTS announced on 29 July 2026 that it would not submit its recordings for consideration at the Grammys. The academy convened its full board and awards & nominations committee in August to advise on the Asian pop category.
