Grammys 2020 snubs BTS, sparks debate on voting bias after recording academy chief's ouster
Despite their 2019 nomination and performance, BTS found themselves shut out of the 62nd Grammy Awards.
Their latest release, 'Map of the Soul: 7', is a follow-up to their chart-topping and record-breaking 'Map of the Soul: Persona', a project that draws on the works of psychoanalysts Carl Jung and Murray Stein.
While 'Persona' dealt with concepts like mental health and the masks we wear as we face the world, '7' tackles the pressures of fame and delving into one's 'shadow self'.
Two tracks, 'Shadow' and 'Black Swan' have been released with accompanying videos — the first being a solo track from Suga featuring set pieces inspired by famous artists, such as sculptor Anish Kapoor, and the latter being an art film choreographed and performed by the MN Dance Company.
The videos extend on BTS' commitment to art, as expressed through their 'Connect, BTS' project launched earlier this year.
By expanding their artistry beyond what would be traditionally expected of an idol group, BTS is paving the way for a much more experimental side to Korean Pop.
And yet, despite all their accomplishments including multiple chart-toppers and outselling major international pop acts by quite a large margin, they were excluded from the 2020 Grammys sparking debates on the bias in how nominees are selected.
Former Grammys chief Deborah Dugan recently alleged that she was forced out of her role after raising complaints against the Recording Academy.
Her 46-page complaint included claims of conflicts of interest and voting irregularities with Dugan further alleging that the voting committees determine the list of nominees based on personal relationships and vested interests — including what songs they want to be performed during the show.
With fans already in an uproar about racism in Western award shows after finding out BTS was not nominated, these revelations add another dent in the credibility of the Grammys and its voting committees.
And yet, against all odds, BTS will still perform at the Grammys this year — as part of Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' extravaganza.