Another Major Act Withdraws

The Recording Academy faced another major setback regarding its controversial new award. Stray Kids officially confirmed they will not take part in next year's Grammys. The group's agency, JYP Entertainment, verified the decision to the BBC recently. The agency stated the group submitted no music for the 69th Grammy Awards. This move places the wildly popular group firmly alongside their peers, BTS. Both acts pulled out to protest the newly created Asian pop category. The Recording Academy previously confirmed the Best Asian Pop Music Performance award. Stray Kids stood as one of the obvious front-runners for the prize.

The Global Reach Of K-Pop

The eight-member group has reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 nine times. Only The Beatles hold a better chart record among musical groups globally. Furthermore, all eight members currently serve as voting members of the Recording Academy. The Academy introduced the category in June to honor contemporary Asian music. However, industry critics immediately viewed the separate category through a different lens. They argued that creating a region-based category appeared highly discriminatory. Critics fear it will push Asian artists to the margins of the awards. K-pop now commands a massive global audience and dominates the international charts.

Avoiding The Regional Corner

Advocates believe K-pop acts should compete as equals in the general categories. They do not want artists confined to a specific regional corner indefinitely. BTS made its absolute opposition to the category clear back in July. They hoped their music would be judged purely on its own merits. Despite the growing backlash, the Academy ultimately chose to keep the category. They claimed support for the award outweighed the loud public opposition. The industry wonders if other prominent acts will join the growing boycott. Explore the vibrant world of international music and celebrity culture. Read more engaging entertainment news today on The WAU.

Share This Post