Ricky Kej backs BTS, slams Grammys’ new Asian Pop category: ‘They completely missed the mark’ | Exclusive
New Delhi: Popular K-pop band recently announced that they would not submit its music to the Grammy Awards next year, a month after Grammys announced the new category in the 2027 awards, The Asian pop music performance.
Following which the Recording Academy, the host of the Grammy Awards, removed historic performance videos of BTS from their official website, sparking backlash. The live recordings of the group’s hit song ‘Dynamite and ‘Butter’ are no longer accessible on Grammy’s official website.
Now, in an exclusive conversation with News9 Digital, the three-time Grammy Award-winning Indian music composer Ricky Kej voiced strong reservations about the Recording Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop category, calling it a well-intentioned move that ultimately “misses the mark.”
Ricky Kej on Grammay’s new ‘Asian pop music’ category
Ricky Kej believes that music should not be divided by geography or ethnicity, supporting BTS’ decision to opt of the awards next year.
Q. What is your take on the Grammys introducing the new “Best Asian Pop” category?
Ricky Kej: My take is very simple. I think the Grammys were well-intentioned when they introduced this category because they clearly wanted to expand Grammy recognition to better reflect the global soundscape.
At first glance, it feels like a long-awaited step forward and a reflection of the music industry’s diversity in the digital age. However, I believe they completely missed the mark because music cannot be siloed by geographic location, ethnicity, or language. I think it is the wrong way to categorize music.
Q. What specific issues do you see with how this category is structured?
Ricky Kej: There are several inherent problems with this categorization. They call it “Best Asian Pop,” but they are specifically targeting K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop—that is, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese pop, which is primarily East Asian pop.
What about the rest of Asia? Why call it “Asian Pop”? The rest of Asia has incredible musical diversity. You have music from India in countless styles, music from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as countries like Iran and Israel. When you create a category like this thinking you are being inclusive, you actually end up being exclusive by leaving out so many people.
Q. BTS decided to opt out and not submit their music following this announcement. Do you agree with their decision?
Ricky Kej: They definitely made the right decision. The issue is much bigger than just one band. The problem is that the Grammys now have a Best Asian Pop category alongside the main Pop Duo/Group category, which is where BTS should naturally be competing.
Even if BTS submits to the main pop category, there is a possibility that the Grammys could move their submission to the Asian category.
That would mean artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga compete in the main pop categories, while BTS, along with K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop artists, is placed in a separate Asian category. That is not fair because BTS is a global phenomenon, not just a Korean or Asian phenomenon.
Q. Why do you consider BTS a global artist rather than just an Asian artist?
Ricky Kej: BTS is a global band, and that is evident from its achievements. They have topped the Billboard charts, performed at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, and have millions of fans across the world.
It is unfair to have American artists competing in the main pop categories while BTS competes in a separate Asian category. If I were BTS, I would be upset because it would feel like the Grammys were saying, “We’ll give you an award, but you have to stay within your own quadrant. Don’t step outside it.”
That is not the right way to recognize a band of BTS’s stature.
Q. Is there also an issue with the prestige or history attached to these different categories?
Ricky Kej: Absolutely. The main pop category carries 67 years of history and prestige. Over those decades, legendary artists, including Michael Jackson, have won those awards.
Personally, I would rather be recognised in a category with that legacy than win an award in a category that was introduced just a year ago.
Q. As a Grammy winner yourself, have you raised or discussed this issue publicly?
Ricky Kej: Yes. I have already been speaking about it publicly and giving interviews expressing my dissatisfaction with the introduction of the “Best Asian Pop” category.
Q. What is next for you in terms of your music?
Ricky Kej: I am currently working on two symphonies that will be performed around the world. I am also preparing for upcoming tours, including one in the United States and another across India. So, there are several exciting projects in the pipeline.
Grammy respond to BTS decision
Days after BTS steeped away from participating, CEO Harvey Manson Jr said in a statement, “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. I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”