K-pop group BTS have taken America by storm, but that doesn't mean they'll be winning a "new artist" Grammy for it. Even after two number one albums on the Billboard Hot 200 chart in 2018, the group was ruled ineligible for the "Best New Artist" category at the Grammys, which they had been predicted to win.
The boy band won't qualify for the award because of their past success in America, according to Forbes. Though they made giant strides in 2018, with successful album and an American stadium tour, the group is ineligible because of their 2017 album release, Love Yourself: Her, which debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard chart. This title was eligible for a 2017 nomination, meaning the band is no longer a "new artist" contender.
Fans of the K-pop group are understanding of the ruling, though they hope to see a Grammy win in the band's future. This year, BTS is eligible for a handful of other categories, and has submitted for six categories, according to Jazmine Media.
imagine not being eligible for a certain grammy category because you've released too MUCH music....@BTS_twt can relate
— 조혜원💜 (@BTS_ARMY_INT) November 3, 2018
Most fans interpreted the decision to mean the band is overqualified to be nominated for the Grammy.
"Imagine not being eligible for a certain Grammy category because you've released too MUCH music…" one Twitter user shared. The tweet has been retweeted over 3,500 times.
Not only has the band secured their own success on the 2018 Billboard charts, but the group's apparent leader, Kim Namjoon, released his own project under the name RM (formerly known as Rap Monster.) His project, titled mono., debuted as number 26 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart on October 26.
The group's mass appeal has been compared to the allure of The Beatles in America, or more recently, the obsession with boy band One Direction. Even their appearance at the 2018 American Music Awards was a headline-worthy topic for many publications, as the group appeared on stage and the Microsoft Theater is said to have erupted with cheers of each member's names. It's all because of the BTS "Army," a dedicated fan group that follows the band where ever they go, and issue enthusiastic support.
Grammy nominations have yet to be announced. Former "Best New Artist" winners from the past four years include Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, Chance The Rapper and Alessia Cara. Other current artists, like Julia Michaels, SZA, Iggy Azalea and The Chainsmokers have been nominated.
The 2019 Grammy Awards will premiere on February 10. Nominations for all categories will be announced on December 5, according to the Grammy website.
This article has been updated to include BTS Grammy submissions.
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