Grammys to Add New Asian Pop Music Category
Grammys to Add New Asian Pop Music Category
Updated at: June 18, 2026 at 05:45 AM
The global music landscape is shifting, and the Recording Academy is evolving to match it.
In June 2026, the Academy announced that the 69th Grammy Awards, set for February 7, 2027, will introduce a brand-new category: Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
This exciting update aims to celebrate artistic excellence in Asian pop music, including popular genres like K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop.
To qualify for this prestigious award, tracks must feature a meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity in music.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. described this addition as a direct response to the extraordinary growth and global influence of these musical styles.
While the move is widely praised for increasing inclusivity, it has also sparked thoughtful industry debate about how to best honor global artists within Western awards structures.
This change is part of a larger expansion, bringing the total number of Grammy categories to 100, ensuring that the awards remain a comprehensive reflection of our vibrant, ever-changing musical world.
