India, July 31 -- T he Recording Academy has defended its newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category after K-pop band BTS announced that it would not submit its music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. All seven BTS members shared a joint statement on Instagram, saying, "We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank Army and everyone who has always stood by us." The decision triggered an online debate, with some fans arguing that the category could segregate Asian artistes instead of recognising them across mainstream fields. Responding to the group, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr said he was "saddened" by the decision but respected it. He clarified that the category was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian pop, adding, "It's never to divide, but to expand who is recognised by our 15,000 Grammy voters." Mason also stressed that artistes submitting in the Asian Pop category remain eligible for the general categories, including Album, Record and Song of the Year. The new category will debut at the 69th Grammy Awards.HTC...