For the second time in two years, BTS attended the Grammy Awards as nominees for the Top Duo/Group Performance. And for the second time, they’ve returned home empty-handed. However, that didn’t prevent the group from being put under the spotlight — their appearance has been promoted for weeks by the Recording Academy and their category — which, last year, had been presented in the pre-show — was moved to the near end of the main event. The cognitive dissonance between the use of the group’s image and the effective appreciation given is apparent, and its cause is symptomatic.
Historically, the Grammys are known for their exploitation of POC artists without the delivery of their due honors and rewards. During the almost ten-year period from 2012 to 2020, black artists received only 26.7% of nominations, despite representing 38% of all musicians in the Billboard Hot 100. Yet, these artists’ influence contributed to building the organization’s own eminence and the very basis of the music sector they represent. Allegations of corruption, racism, and favoritism inside the elusive voting committees were rampant — especially during 2020 and 2021. Sparked by the snubbing of influential non-white artists such as The Weeknd and Rina Sawayama. Furthermore, it was fueled by the claims of the ex-chief executive of the Recording Academy, Deborah Dugan, of having evidence of these irregularities — a case of which was followed by a legal battle and subsequent settlement in June 2021. So, it is observable that the problem is systematic, laying deep within the structures of the industry.
With the award show’s credibility declining, in 2022 a few changes were seen in the modus operandi of the Recording Academy and the Grammy ceremony. Regarding its rules, the 15-30 anonymous industry expert committees were ended — the nominations were voted by the voting members — the number of categories in which one voter could vote was reduced, and two new categories were added.
During the award show itself, which happened on April 3rd, the biggest highlight was Jon Batiste’s 11 nominations — only done two times before in history (Michael Jackson, in 1984 and Babyface in 1997) and win for Album of The Year with his work “We Are,” joining the shortlist as the eleventh black artist to win such an award, 14 years after the tenth. Even in the Top Duo/Group Performance, the winners were Doja Cat and Sza, two black women making their way in the field and being rewarded with a deserved win. Nevertheless, actions such as the continuous disregard over BTS’ achievements and talent while still profiting off their audience goes to show that the Grammy’s faults remain ever-present in its core, and those deemed outsiders continue to have nothing but a hard time in the Recording Academy. So, this begs the question, is this failing institution truly capable of reforming itself or is it giving away its last breath in an effort to stay relevant?
BTS’ outstanding performance, both in the ceremony — bringing a slick 007 concept to the Grammy stage — and in the charts — topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks with “Butter” — is proof that they are nothing short of deserving, both regarding talent and impact. Their peers already recognize this; the smooth like butter dance break and criminal undercover mis-en-scène earned them a standing ovation at the award show. And, of course, their fans feel the same way. Their sold-out shows in Las Vegas make the Grammys seem like just a pit stop on the way to their concerts.
Yet the industry and the Academy remain resistant to the shift that the group represents, choosing to keep the balance and assigned seats at their own table — but only time will tell. In an interview with Reuters in 2020, RM said, “since we’re aliens to the music industry in America, we don’t know if there’s a place for us or not,” As it is structured today — around prejudice and exploitation — there truly might not be. But BTS, as they have shown, again and again, are making their own table. A better one — one that is not made of rotten wood.
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Written By: Carol Edited By: Aury
Checked By: Juju
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