Before I dive into this article, I want to clear up that this is not from the perspective of a fangirl who is just heartbroken her favorite group did not get a nomination for the Grammy's. This is coming from someone who recognizes prejudice, unfairness, and pridefulness when she sees it. It is fortunate, though, that it is so blatantly obvious in this case. This gives the world the chance to see the intentions of the American music industry and their resistance to globalizing in the popular music community.
BTS (also known in English as Beyond The Scene, Bangtan Boys, or Bulletproof Boyscouts) have had a "rags to riches" story that any artist wanting to become successful would kill for. Starting in a small, unrecognized, sort of indie company called Bighit Entertainment, BTS was not supposed to have all this success. Especially at the beginning of their career in 2013, they were often overshadowed by other artists and by the South Korean media. They received an uncanny amount of hate from those who did not accept them, but they never backed down. They continued to push forward, and after a few years, really broke through as artists who had proven their worth. Since 2016, these seven diverse, multi-talented, humble men have broken numerous records inside and outside of Korea. Their track record rivals the Beatles, Queen, Beyonce, and many other large-scale artists. They give back to the world by donating to charities and their success has boosted South Korea's economy by drawing in tourists to the country.
As far as their music goes, they continuously release hit after hit. Their lyrics are relatable, the tracks are unique, and what is most impressive is that they are self-producing artists. Every BTS song has been made either entirely by, or with immense help from the members. Their music is personable and draws you in so close you can never forget it. It's no wonder their fans (named ARMY) were so excited for the chance for them to be nominated for a Grammy award. The only artists BTS has left to beat out at this point are themselves.
So why does this all matter?
At the 2019 Grammy Awards in January, BTS was nominated for Best Recording Package and invited to present Best R&B Album of the Year. This was a huge deal because they were the first K-pop group to have the opportunity to do either of these things. While the group did not win the nomination, this gave fans even more hope. Now that they had been recognized by The Recording Academy, there was a huge chance they would be given even more recognition and nominations in the future. The Recording Academy seemingly had finally recognized the success and power BTS held. They even went to lengths such as, well, inviting them to the show in the first place and even displaying the suits they wore to The Grammy's in their museum. On social media, they showered them in praise and love, but when it came down to the moment everyone was waiting for, it was like the Recording Academy had never heard of the group.
To explain further exactly what the criteria are to be nominated for a Grammy award, let's just say, there isn't exactly one. Of course, there are rules for which records, albums, and artists can be nominated, but there are no criteria for what makes an artist or album or song "worthy" of an award. It is purely based on the taste of the voters. Once potential nominees are reviewed by the voting members of the Recording Academy, they decide what gets officially nominated and what does not. Sales don't matter, popularity does not matter, and supposedly, language does not matter. While records and sales do not go into what gets nominated, there's something to be said about artists that may or may not have had 3 #1 albums within a year (something that hasn't happened since The Beatles), been on Billboard's Hot 100, Hot 10 Hits, and broken record sales not being nominated for an award as huge as this. These records are very clear indicators that they have broken into the American music scene and that American listeners are intently giving attention to them.
What this says about the failure to acknowledge artists from outside the U.S. and if the board may be afraid to let a non-American, non-white group make history like this.
It isn't just about BTS. If you look at the nominees for the major awards, it is clear that most of the artists are the same. Artists such as Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, and Billie Eilish dominate the nominees list for many awards. There is a lack of diversity here. Some people may point fingers at this point and say that there is plenty of diversity here. There are not only white artists nominated for major awards. And the lists are not dominated by male artists, so that is also a win. While I do agree with these statements and see cause for celebration, the lack of global artists in these categories, or most categories, is making people raise eyebrows. Many believe that the sole reason more global artists do not get nominated for these awards is because the music is primarily not in English. To be entirely honest, that is the only reason most anybody can think of as to why more global artists are not nominated for Grammy's, primarily not large awards.
The whiteness of the Grammy nomination board is becoming detrimental to the music community. The blindness from success and quality music has fans and non-fans alike shaking their heads. Perhaps artists like BTS will never get the Grammy nomination they obviously so deserve, but maybe it doesn't even matter. After this controversy, it is becoming more clear that awards do not mean everything. BTS will continue to be one of the most successful and loved acts in history; it's just up to the rest of us to decide whether it will be recognized or not.
