GRAMMYs Shock With New “Best Asian Pop” Category, Sparking Scathing Reactions

The Recording Academy has announced several new categories for the GRAMMY Awards, but one in particular has quickly become a hot topic among music fans online.

It is titled “Best Asian Pop Music Performance.”

The category is described to recognize artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances.

This Category recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. Awards are presented to the performing artist(s).

— Recording Academy

While some fans welcomed the move as a sign of greater recognition for Asian artists, many others criticized the decision, arguing that it creates a separate space for Asian acts rather than increasing their presence in major categories.

Ofcourse they did. So all their main categories can remain safe and secured for the American Acts. The fact that they face xenophobia allegations every year and they keep proving them right every year. https://t.co/ewSHx2LTsX

— Rize⁷ (@rize07addict) June 16, 2026

The announcement quickly sparked backlash across social media platforms, with many fans questioning the Recording Academy’s intentions. Some pointed to the long-running criticism that the GRAMMYs have struggled to properly recognize non-Western artists despite their global success.

Its like saying "we've created a little corner for you that you can inhabit. this is your limit"

Arirang stands out with global cultural significance, critical acclaim & commercial success with stability on global charts. This is lumping artists into a corner, not inclusivity! https://t.co/J8izK5TDWz

— mehreen⁷ (@taytanniess) June 16, 2026

you can't be a global music award show and then make regional categories cuz you don't want to recognize artists outside of america for major awardspic.twitter.com/DSX0dSfX2M https://t.co/GW95VV56Tt

— ævil (@pinkcashcow) June 16, 2026

Much of the debate centered around BTS, who made history with multiple GRAMMY nominations but never won in the major categories despite their enormous global impact.

I knew this gonna happen they are so scared of bts impact 😭 https://t.co/iS6lcWkuAn

— 🕷️ (@schiaparelliv) June 16, 2026

oh BTS you are such threat to the western darlings.

I have never seen something so blatantly shameless and obvious. https://t.co/1LnGdvMbnr

— ♡⁷ (@amlysbang) June 16, 2026

BTS