I wanted to take a moment to reach out and say that I think you took a remarkably brave step in deciding not to submit your music to the Grammys this year.
I do believe the Recording Academy had good intentions when they introduced the Best Asian Pop Performance category. In theory, it was meant to reflect our ever-changing global soundscape and celebrate the incredible music coming out of East Asia spanning K-pop, C-pop, and J-pop. They wanted to create space for inclusion.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be inclusive quickly turned into an illusion of inclusion, one that ultimately leans toward exclusion.
Even if you had chosen to enter in a region-neutral category like Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (a space where your music unquestionably belongs), the reality is that the Academy’s screening committees would likely have recategorized it into Best Asian Pop Performance anyway.
As a band, you are no longer just a phenomenon within a specific genre; you are a global force. It simply doesn’t make sense for artists of your stature to be placed in a separate silo rather than competing on the exact same playing field as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Adele or Kendrick Lamar. It isn’t fair that a Western artist is categorized simply as “Pop Music,” while a Korean artist is relegated to “Asian Pop.” Music is a universal language, and it shouldn’t be compartmentalized by geography or native tongue.
So, truly, kudos to you. You made a principled stand for the right reasons. My sincere hope is that the Grammys take this as a moment for reflection to bring about real, systemic diversity within the organization rather than building separate boxes for international artists.
With immense respect for your craft and your vision,
