BTS were added to the list of confirmed Grammy performers just yesterday, January 23rd. ARMY were ecstatic when they heard the news, since the boys have said before that they would love to perform at the awards show.
At the Grammys last year, BTS were the first Korean Act to present an award. This year, they are to attend the awards show as performers. However, it is not the performance anyone was expecting.
Billboard announced yesterday, January 23rd that BTS would be performing alongside artists Diplo, Billy Ray Cyrus, and other artists for a rendition of the song, "Old Town Road." ARMY were of course very supportive and happy for the boys.
Rather than just a collaboration, many were hoping that BTS would be able to perform one of their many hit songs at the awards show in a solo performance. But in a rehearsal video posted earlier, members of the vocal line of BTS can be seen in the background of the collaboration.
BTS are known for having a long list of achievements. They have been in the music industry for years, and have broken many records that western artists have yet to break, yet they still don't have a solo performance for this award show, why is that?
It's not the first time that BTS have been used to gain viewers or attention for award shows. At an American awards show last year, the show would announce that the group would be performing next, but they didn’t come up until near the end. It resulted in viewers waiting for their performance for almost the entire show. The Western Industry know how powerful BTS are, yet instead of recognizing their talent and hardwork, they decide to use the group for attention.
The group have been named the "Biggest Boyband in the World" yet they are still treated as if they are a rookie group that just debuted. What could be the issue? Is it the long running issue of xenophobia in the music industry? Or ignorance of the members of the Recording Academy?
Whatever it is, we can all agree that BTS deserve better.
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I think what we can all agree on is that not a single one of us has seen the performance to comment on it. 🤷🏻♀️ We've for some reason got our torch and pitchforks out for the Grammy's based on a mere few seconds of rehearsals. I think we should have more faith in BigHit than that, I doubt they would allow BTS to be put in an awkward position like being glorified backup dancers. Being on the Grammy stage is a huge dream of BTS' and too many have written it off before even seeing it.
Also I don't think this is Xenophobia, it's plain old music snobbery that BTS were never nominated. Boybands have a history of being snubbed, this isn't anything new. Backstreet Boys, New Kids On The Block and 'NSync have never won a Grammy. One Direction never even got a Grammy nomination despite their huge popularity.
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