Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended its new Asian Pop category Wednesday, saying it was designed to "expand" recognition after BTS announced it would boycott the upcoming awards process. "I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year,

Best Asian Pop Music Performance recognizes artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.

BTS' Grammy pullout reignites the debate in India: Is a separate Asian Pop category a platform for recognition or another limiting label? Artiste react