By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music WriterNEW YORK (AP) — Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. has responded to the news that K-pop powerhouse BTSwill not submit their music for consideration at the forthcoming 2027 Grammy Awards. “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 jr. wrote on the Grammys’ official Instagram page. In his statement, Mason jr. stated that the new category was created in order to celebrate more voices across the Asian music industry — not to separate those artists from other awards. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia,” he wrote. “Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive,” Mason jr. said.