Image credit: Rosé performing ‘APT.’ [Photo provided by CJ ENM. Reuse and database storage prohibited]
Multiple K-pop Artists Score Major Grammy Nominations
For the first time in history, K-pop has officially broken into the Grammy Awards’ top categories, earning recognition in the so-called “General Fields” — Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.
On the 7th (local time), following the Recording Academy’s announcement for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, U.S. media outlets described the moment as K-pop being “finally recognized on the mainstream stage.”
Among the standout nominees, BLACKPINK’s Rosé earned three nominations, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, for her hit collaboration with Bruno Mars, titled “APT.”
Meanwhile, “Golden” from the Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters secured five nominations, including Song of the Year.
Additionally, KATSEYE, a Korean-American girl group under HYBE, made history as a nominee for Best New Artist.
U.S. Media Applauds: “K-pop Has Arrived at the Center of Pop”
The Los Angeles Times spotlighted the achievement with the headline, “Grammys 2026: K-pop Finally Nominated in Major Categories.”
The paper wrote,
“The presence of multiple K-pop artists in major categories shows that the genre is now being recognized as part of mainstream pop music.”
It added that this year marks a turning point — a moment when Grammy voters are beginning to evaluate K-pop “not just as a fandom-driven phenomenon but as a legitimate form of artistic expression.”
From BTS to Rosé: A Long-Awaited Shift
The LA Times further noted that while BTS opened the door to global recognition, they were never nominated in the Grammys’ top categories.
“This year, several K-pop–related artists are competing in major fields, indicating that the Recording Academy now sees K-pop as an essential part of pop music.”
Echoing this sentiment, Forbes wrote,
“K-pop has historically been overlooked at the Grammys. Despite being a global phenomenon for the past decade, it has unfortunately not been properly represented — until now.”
Forbes described the nominations of “APT.” and “Golden” as “historic but not surprising,” noting that both songs dominated charts during the Grammy eligibility period.
Global Reaction: “A Victory for the Fans”
Entertainment site Gold Derby reported that “millions of K-pop fans are celebrating after the genre finally broke through at the Grammys following years of waiting.”
The outlet highlighted that two K-pop songs — “APT.” and “Golden” — are now among the eight nominees for Song of the Year, calling it “a new record for the genre.”
It also spotlighted the soundtrack for K-pop Demon Hunters, nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, as “a collective triumph for Korean artists.”
Meanwhile, the BBC emphasized Rosé’s historic achievement, writing that she is the first K-pop idol ever nominated in one of the Grammys’ Big Four categories.
Changing Times: The Grammys’ Push for Diversity
Industry analysts suggest that the Recording Academy’s growing diversity may be a driving factor behind this recognition shift.
According to Academy data released on November 3, over 3,800 new members joined this year — with half under the age of 39, 58% people of color, and 35% women.
For the first time, all Latin Recording Academy members were also invited to vote, expanding the Grammy voter base to be “more globally representative.”
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said,
“This year’s new members reflect the vibrant and diverse state of today’s music scene. Our expanded membership shows our commitment to supporting music creators across borders and backgrounds.”
Currently, about 15,000 members participate in nominating and voting for Grammy winners — and this year, their decisions may have permanently changed the course of K-pop’s place in music history.
The Moment K-pop Became Mainstream — Officially
After years of being on the sidelines, K-pop has stepped onto the biggest stage in American music, not as a cultural curiosity but as a creative powerhouse.
With nominations across major categories, 2026 is shaping up to be the year the Grammys finally said:
“Welcome to the main stage, K-pop.”
