“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision,” Mason wrote. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters. The announcement lands just over a month after the Recording Academy unveiled a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. BTS has been nominated for Grammys before, including in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video categories, but has never won.