Education Secretary Lucy Powell says schools are stuck in a “straitjacket” of academic prioritisation, hindering children’s potential.
She has announced a review into whether teaching adequately prepares pupils for their futures, signalling a move to undo reforms implemented by Michael Gove.
Writing in The Times, Ms Powell said: “The one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t suit all children. For some it’s become a straitjacket. A straitjacket that has left too many being branded a failure — again and again — instead of being able to realise their potential.”
She intends to take a “fresh look at what we are teaching our children and whether we are equipping them for their lives ahead” as part of efforts to reverse Mr Gove’s education policies.
Ms Powell also blamed Mr Gove for the number of young people outside of education, training, or work.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell (PA)
“One million. That’s how many young people from the education system Michael Gove presided over who are now left outside education, not in employment and not in training,” she wrote.
She said her priority now is “helping all those young people — and the generations to come — succeed”.
Tackling the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) has been one of the areas Andy Burnham has highlighted as a key focus since he took over as prime minister.
Andy Burnham has a key focus on Neets, young people who aren’t in education, employment or training (PA)
An interim report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, published in May, warned the number of Neets could rise to one in six by 2031 and that Britain risks leaving behind a “lost generation” of young people ill-prepared for work.
The National Grid is launching a £5 million fund that aims to get 5,000 young people into work over the next five years.
The fund will support up to 1,000 young people annually, starting in the first half of 2027, with money invested in practical training, employability skills and qualifications needed for jobs in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors.
Mr Burnham said, “Last week, we announced fundamental reforms to the education system to ensure there’s parity between academic and technical routes – giving all young people the chance to have a clear path in life.
“A key part of this initiative is matching employers to young people to ensure they get the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need.
“National Grid’s announcement is precisely the kind of response we want to see,” he said.
Huge crowds turned out for Brighton Pride, with around 300,000 expected to participate in the celebration over the weekend.
Marking its 35th anniversary, it drew headline act Raye on Saturday and it is set to welcome Diana Ross on Sunday at its mainstage event, Pride in the Park.
Over the two-day music festival, Five, Jessie J, Self Esteem, Leigh-Anne and RuPaul will perform, including a DJ set.
People taking part in Brighton Pride 2026 (Getty)
The first Brighton Pride march took place in July 1973, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front.
But only a small part of the community felt safe enough to take part, organisers have said, and Pride did not return to the seaside city again until 1991.
A huge Pride flag was strewn over the parade by marchers (Getty)
For this milestone year, Brighton and Hove Pride sought to honour early activists and “remember the courage it took to be visible” as a member of the LGBT+ community.
Some 300,000 people are expected to participate or watch the parade, while up to 450,000 people are estimated to turn out city-wide for Pride, making it the biggest in the UK.
Raye performing at Brighton Pride (Getty Images)
The event brings a big boost to the local economy, and organisers say it has raised more than £1.4m for LGBTQ+ causes.
The Pride parade set off from Hove Lawns at 11am on Saturday, travelling along King’s Road, West Street, North Street and London Road.
It is the 35th Anniversary of Brighton Pride which held its first march in 1973 (PA)
It ended near Preston Park, where the two-day Pride on the Park festival is taking place.
Organisers say roads will be closed around Preston Circus to allow the parade to disperse, as in previous years. They are set to reopen at around 4.30pm.
Around 450,000 people are expected to descend on the city for the celebrations (Reuters)
Brighton and Hove Pride comes just a week after a van and stabbing attack in Berlin left one person dead and injured at least 29 others.
People carried placards in support of the German city, saying, “We stand with Berlin.”
Following the fatal attack at the Berlin event, which defence secretary Wes Streeting condemned as “absolutely horrific”, police confirmed that armed officers would be present.
A two-day music festival called Pride in the Park will be held over the weekend (Getty)The Brighton Pride parade came a week after the Berlin pride attack (Reuters)
Speaking ahead of the events, managing director Paul Kemp said he knows the community is thinking of the people affected and that “we are coming out, and we are not going away”.
He has been managing director of the city’s Pride since 2013 but first became involved with it as a club promoter for the first dance tent on the level in the mid-1990s.
Mr Kemp said, “I think it’s kind of poignant because this year our parade is the 35th anniversary; it’s the power of love and I think it’s really focused minds from a community perspective and the general climate of the feeling that LGBT rights are being rolled back.”
For years, Nathan Fillion kept his personal life so quiet that many fans genuinely believed the Firefly, Castle, and The Rookie star was permanently single. That changed in the summer of 2025, when the 54-year-old Canadian-American actor stepped out with Lost alum Tania Raymonde, 37, in a series of increasingly public appearances that finally confirmed what the industry had been whispering for months.
Their relationship carries a 17-year age gap, and that detail alone has fuelled endless conversation across entertainment media, fan forums, and social platforms. But the story is bigger than the math. It’s about two working actors from very different corners of Hollywood, both known for playing complicated characters, quietly building a partnership that reflects their own values.
This is the complete, verified guide to the Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde relationship: how they met, who they are individually, why the 17-year age gap became a talking point, and what their careers look like now that they’re navigating fame together.
Nathan Fillion and girlfriend Tania Raymonde make a rare red carpet appearance together
Who Is Nathan Fillion? A Quick Career Snapshot
Born on March 27, 1971, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Nathan Fillion is a Canadian and American actor who played the leading roles of Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds in Firefly and its film continuation Serenity and Richard Castle in Castle. He has been a working actor since 1993, starting with the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, and has become one of television’s most recognisable leading men.
His filmography spans science fiction, comedy, drama, and superhero cinema. Fillion starred as title character Richard Castle in ABC’s award-winning series, Castle, which successfully ran for eight seasons, reached over 70 million U.S. viewers, and won him seven People’s Choice Awards for the role. He currently stars as Officer John Nolan on ABC’s The Rookie, now entering its eighth season.
In 2025, Fillion suited up for one of the biggest superhero blockbusters of the year. He starred as Guy Gardner, best known as The Green Lantern, in James Gunn’s Superman film alongside David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and Rachel Brosnahan. The role reintroduced him to a new generation of moviegoers and, indirectly, gave him the red carpet moment that would go public with his relationship.
Who Is Tania Raymonde? The Lost Actress You Already Know
Tania Raymonde Helen Katz, born March 22, 1988, is an American actress. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, the daughter of a French mother from Corsica and an American father of Russian-Jewish descent. She attended the Lycée Français de Los Angeles and is fluent in French.
Raymonde’s first prominent casting role was the recurring character of Cynthia Sanders on the TV series Malcolm in the Middle between 2000 and 2003, followed by her role as Alex Rousseau in ABC’s Lost from 2006 to 2010. Alex Rousseau, the adopted daughter of Benjamin Linus, became one of the most emotionally resonant characters in the J.J. Abrams series and remains her signature role for a generation of Lost viewers.
Beyond Lost, her résumé includes several notable performances. She played the title role of notorious murderer Jodi Arias in the Lifetime original feature Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret in 2013 and starred alongside Billy Bob Thornton and William Hurt in David E. Kelley’s legal drama Goliath for Amazon. She also appeared in The Lincoln Lawyer, Texas Chainsaw 3D, Deep Blue Sea 3, and most recently the sci-fi feature Futra Days alongside Brandon Sklenar and Rosanna Arquette.
She is also a filmmaker in her own right, having written and directed short films and worked as an associate producer on independent features. Her range as a performer, from soap-style teen drama to true-crime portrayal to prestige legal thriller, has earned her steady industry respect even without a permanent tentpole franchise attached to her name.
The 17-Year Age Gap: What the Numbers Actually Say
Here is the arithmetic that has captured public attention. Nathan Fillion was born on March 27, 1971. Tania Raymonde was born on March 22, 1988. That places their age difference at 17 years, with birthdays only five days apart.
Nathan Fillion was born in 1971, and Tania Raymonde was born in 1988, which puts their age difference at 17 years.
Age comparison at key relationship milestones
Milestone
Date
Nathan’s Age
Tania’s Age
Superman’s premiere red carpet
July 7, 2025
54
37
Disneyland public kiss
Late July 2025
54
37
Farmers’ market outing
Sept. 21, 2025
54
37
Current (as of 2026)
July 2026
55
38
A 17-year gap places them in a demographic pattern that is not unusual in Hollywood but continues to attract public interest, particularly when the man is older. It falls within a range shared by many well-known celebrity couples, and unlike some more extreme age-gap pairings, both partners in this relationship are firmly established adults with independent careers, financial stability, and creative résumés built well before they met.
Also Read | Megan Moroney Cancels Denver Show Mid-Performance in Tears
Timeline: How Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde Went Public
Piecing together the confirmed public appearances gives a clear picture of how carefully the couple managed their reveal.
Pre-July 2025: Rumours circulate quietly. Neither actor comments. Fillion, long assumed to be single by his fanbase, gives no public sign of a partner.
July 7, 2025: The couple makes what is widely regarded as their red carpet debut. The couple first linked up in 2025 when they made their red carpet debut on July 7, 2025, at the world premiere of Superman.
July 14, 2025: Raymonde first teased her connection to Fillion on Instagram on July 14, when she shared photos from the Superman premiere as Fillion’s date, looking stunning in a green slip dress. Her caption references “this Green Lantern especially”, a warm nod to Fillion’s role in the film.
Late July 2025: Fillion, 54, was spotted kissing Tania Raymonde, 37, during a fun date at Disneyland. Aside from smooching, the two were photographed walking arm-in-arm at the amusement park in Anaheim.
July 2025: Over the weekend, the two were also seen hitting up the star-studded Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con party at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego.
September 21, 2025: Fillion and Raymonde are seen at the farmers’ market in Studio City, California, holding hands and shopping together in what became their first public outing after a quiet stretch.
2026: Entertainment coverage continues to describe the relationship as ongoing and low-key, with neither actor providing formal statements.
Why the Relationship Caught So Much Attention
Nathan Fillion has not been in a widely publicised relationship for years. Nathan Fillion has never been engaged, despite the rumours claiming otherwise. Fillion’s past relationships include Perry Reeves and Krista Allen, but details remain private. Because he has consistently declined to make his private life part of his public brand, any visible partner naturally becomes news.
There is also the character factor. Fillion has spent decades playing charming, romantically available leading men. As one entertainment writer noted about the sudden shift, “Nathan going more public with a seemingly new relationship is an intriguing and even welcome move, mainly because it seems a little more out of character with his public persona. On screen, he’s often either the stoic and vulnerable lead, like on The Rookie, or the cocky but lovable womaniser, like in Castle.”
Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde enjoy a happy hand-in-hand moment outing
For Raymonde, the attention arrives at a moment when her adult career has evolved beyond her lost fame into filmmaking and character-driven roles. The pairing has drawn interest partly because it brings together two performers whose signature shows, Firefly and Lost, are foundational texts of 2000s prestige genre television.
Nathan Fillion’s Past Relationships: Setting the Record Straight
Because Fillion has been the subject of persistent engagement rumours for years, it is worth clarifying the record. Fillion clarified that he has never been engaged, despite persistent online rumours. He is currently dating actress Tania Raymonde; they were first seen together publicly in July 2025. Fillion is not married and has no children as of June 2026.
His previously reported relationships include actress Perry Reeves and actress Krista Allen. He also briefly dated Castle co-star Stana Katic during that show’s early years, though both actors have kept the specifics private. His current relationship with Raymonde is, by all accounts, the most public he has had in years.
Nathan Fillion’s Non-Negotiables in a Relationship
In a rare glimpse into how he approaches partnership, Fillion has spoken about what matters to him. Nathan stepped out this summer with his new girlfriend, Tania Raymonde, 37. Neither Nathan nor Tania has commented publicly about their relationship, but they’ve made several red carpet appearances together.
Long-distance is off the table for him, and helpfully, they live in the same city. Luckily for Tania and Nathan, they both live in Los Angeles together; no long distance is necessary. The rookie actor grew up in Edmonton, Canada, but calls LA his home after moving there for work. His girlfriend was born in Los Angeles and attended Lycée Français de Los Angeles while growing up there.
He has also offered a character-focused view of what he looks for in a partner: “You have to be able to be with someone to watch the choices they make to understand who they are. You have to see how someone treats waiters. That’s a good way to tell.
Career Snapshot: Both Actors Are Extremely Busy
Their relationship is happening during a professionally significant stretch for both of them.
Nathan Fillion (2025–2026):
Guy Gardner / Green Lantern in Superman (2025)
Officer John Nolan in The Rookie Season 8 (2026)
Upcoming HBO series Lanterns
Confirmed animated Firefly revival, with the full original cast returning
Tania Raymonde (2025–2026):
Sci-fi feature Futra Days with Brandon Sklenar and Rosanna Arquette
Ongoing film and television work
Continued development of directorial projects
The pair are also, notably, not employed by the same company. Unlike many Hollywood couples who meet on set, their creative worlds run in parallel rather than overlap, which likely contributes to the low-drama tone their relationship has maintained in public.
Industry and Fan Reaction
The response from The Rookie and Firefly fandoms has been broadly warm. Long-time Fillion supporters, many of whom followed him from Firefly in 2002 through Castle and into The Rookie, have expressed genuine happiness at seeing him step out publicly with a partner after years of assumed bachelorhood.
Lost fans, meanwhile, have taken interest in Raymonde’s return to the spotlight. Alex Rousseau remains an emotionally charged character in that show’s mythology, and audiences who remember Raymonde as a teenager on the island have watched with interest as her adult career has matured.
Age-gap discourse has emerged, as with most such couples, but the tone around this pairing has been notably measured. Both are established professionals in their thirties and fifties, respectively, and the private, non-performative nature of their public appearances has largely deflected the more sensational commentary that sometimes accompanies celebrity age gaps.
What Makes This Relationship Different From Typical Celebrity Romances
A few observations stand out for entertainment industry watchers.
First, there is no publicist-driven rollout. The relationship became public through paparazzi photos, one Instagram caption, and organic red carpet appearances. There has been no interview, no magazine cover, no coordinated statement.
Second, both actors have kept their social media relatively quiet on the topic. Raymonde’s July 2025 Instagram post remains the most direct acknowledgement either has made.
Third, the relationship exists outside the shared-project economy. Many high-profile Hollywood couples meet on set and continue to promote work together. Fillion and Raymonde have separate ongoing careers, which shields them from the kind of joint scrutiny that follows co-star couples.
Fourth, both are old enough and experienced enough to have watched Hollywood relationships play out publicly and, one assumes, to have learned from what works and what does not.
Interesting Facts About the Couple
Their birthdays are five days apart, both in late March, though separated by 17 years.
Both live in Los Angeles, meaning no long-distance component to their relationship.
Raymonde is fluent in French, having earned her French baccalaureate at the Lycée Français de Los Angeles.
Fillion is a Canadian-American dual citizen originally from Edmonton, Alberta.
Raymonde’s lost character required her to wear blue contact lenses, as her natural eye colour is brown.
Fillion is a widely known collector of Star Wars memorabilia and lightsabres, one of many facts that fans learnt during his years of convention appearances.
Fillion voices Cayde-6 in the Destiny game series, a role that made him a favourite among gaming audiences separate from his television career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde married?
No. As of 2026, they are dating publicly but have not announced an engagement or marriage. Nathan Fillion has never been married.
How did Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde meet?
Neither actor has publicly disclosed how they met. They confirmed their relationship publicly by attending the Superman world premiere together on July 7, 2025.
What is the age difference between Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde?
Nathan Fillion was born on March 27, 1971, and Tania Raymonde was born on March 22, 1988, making the age gap 17 years.
Does Nathan Fillion have children?
No. As of 2026, Nathan Fillion has no children.
Is Tania Raymonde still acting?
Yes. She remains an active working actress, most recently appearing in the sci-fi feature Futra Days, and continues to develop projects both as a performer and behind the camera.
Where do Nathan Fillion and Tania Raymonde live?
Both live in Los Angeles, California.
Was Nathan Fillion ever engaged?
No. Despite persistent online rumours, Fillion has publicly stated that he has never been engaged.
What are Tania Raymonde’s most famous roles?
Alex Rousseau on Lost, Cynthia Sanders on Malcolm in the Middle, Jodi Arias in Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret, Brittany Gold in Goliath, and Trina Rafferty in The Lincoln Lawyer.
Bev Craig will succeed Andy Burnham as mayor of Greater Manchester, securing a comfortable Labour victory over Reform on a historically low turnout.
Only one in four of the more than 2 million eligible voters across Greater Manchester cast ballots as Ms Craig defeated Reform UK’s Sian Astley in the second round – the first electoral test of Mr Burnham’s premiership.
Ms Craig won 47.15 per cent of votes in the first round.
just short of the 50 per cent needed to win outright in the supplementary vote system, with Ms Astley on 20.99 per cent.
It is the first time that a Greater Manchester mayoral election has gone to a second round, which Ms Craig won with 309,525 first- and second-place votes, ahead of Ms Astley on 157,178, to give her one of the country’s most powerful political jobs outside of Westminster.
“I will defend this city region with all my strength, and I will fight for a better life for all of us,” she told the hall at the Co-op Live arena in her victory speech.
When Mr Burnham, who won three mayoral elections – all with more than 60 per cent of the vote – first announced his intention to return to Westminster, the prospect of Labour losing control of Greater Manchester was cited by allies of Sir Keir Starmer as a reason to keep him in post.
However, Ms Craig’s victory comes as her party is enjoying a “Burnham bounce” in national polls, with him taking over from Sir Keir in Downing Street, sparking a change in Labour’s fortunes.
Greater Manchester mayoral election results
Sian Astley (Reform): 157,178 [first and second preference votes]
Geraldine Coggins (Green): 64,968
Bev Craig (Labour): 309,525 [first and second preference votes]
Phil Eckersley (Conservative): 41,021
Marcus Farmer (Independent): 2,969
Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats): 14,702
Marlon West (Restore Britain): 46,289
Described as Mr Burnham’s “protege”, the Belfast-born incoming mayor has led Manchester City Council since 2021 and has worked closely with the prime minister as a member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the economy.
“I never believed as a girl growing up on a council estate that one day I would be chanced to stand for the place that I love,” she said.
The turnout was a historic low for a mayoral election in this region, dropping below the first race in 2017, when 28.9 per cent of the electorate turned out.
However, it still took more than 13 hours from the start of verification to the result being declared.
Part of that may be due to election fatigue in this part of the country, as Greater Manchester has been the focus of British politics for much of the year.
This is the third time in 2026 that voters in the parliamentary constituencies of Gorton and Denton and Makerfield have gone to the polls this year, following by-elections and May’s local contests.
Both the Green Party and Reform will be disappointed, with the former failing to make the run-off.
The Greens won in Gorton and Denton in February, and the party’s campaigning suggested that it was a two-horse race between them and Reform, having made significant gains in Manchester in May’s local elections, but they did not make it into the second round.
Bev Craig at the vote count for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester (PA)
Meanwhile, it is Reform’s third disappointment in Greater Manchester this year, after failing to win in Gorton and Denton or Makerfield.
Nigel Farage’s party were made early favourites by the bookmakers when this by-election was first mooted, having performed well in the local elections here, winning 24 of the 25 seats available in Wigan in May.
But polls suggested that Ms Craig would secure a comfortable win, helped by Mr Burnham’s taking over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, which proved to be correct.
Mr Burnham showed in Makerfield that his name on the Labour ballot could beat Reform’s, and what is now his party has claimed another important victory in his backyard – albeit in its worst performance in the history of this contest.
The result in Greater Manchester came on the same day the prime minister announced that English mayors would be allowed to keep a share of the taxes collected in their area as part of his pledge to “take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country.”
Bev Craig is congratulated after she was declared winner of the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election (PA)
Mr Burnham’s plans to let mayors keep a slice of income tax and business rates come as part of his bid to incentivise regional leaders to promote economic growth in different parts of the UK.
It means that Ms Craig will have more power than he did during his nine years running this city region.
About that, she told The Independent following her victory: “I’ve long argued, as did Andy before he became prime minister, that Greater Manchester should have more power and more control.
“So it’s absolutely fantastic that in the two weeks since he became prime minister, he’s coming good on his long-standing beliefs around power and control.
“And I want to be able to put that to meaningful use. Things like skills and support in our young people, from 16, are going to make an incredible difference here in Greater Manchester, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
UK wildfires’ latest reports show firefighters across England remain under pressure as hot, dry weather continues to fuel a series of significant wildfires. One of the largest incidents is in Suffolk, where crews have spent more than 24 hours tackling a major blaze near Sizewell B nuclear power station. Officials say the fire has stabilised, but strong winds and dry conditions continue to pose challenges.
Fire and rescue services across the UK remain on high alert, with authorities urging the public to avoid activities that could spark new fires during the ongoing period of extreme weather.
Firefighters respond to a major wildfire in SuffolkFirefighters respond to a major wildfire in Suffolk
Suffolk Wildfire Near Sizewell B
The wildfire near Dunwich Heath in Suffolk has burnt approximately 150 hectares of land. More than 100 firefighters, supported by specialist vehicles and a water-dropping helicopter, have worked continuously to contain the blaze.
Emergency services evacuated around 50 people from nearby homes and a holiday park as a precaution. Authorities have confirmed there is no threat to the Sizewell B nuclear power station, and operations at the facility continue as normal.
Heatwave and Drought Increase Fire Danger
The UK has experienced several heatwaves this summer, leaving vegetation extremely dry and increasing the likelihood of fast-spreading fires.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has warned that
Hot and windy weather is creating severe wildfire conditions.
Grassland and heathland are especially vulnerable.
Even small sparks can quickly become major fires.
Outdoor fires and barbecues pose significant risks.
Fire Services Urge Public Caution
Fire chiefs are asking people to take extra care outdoors to help prevent new wildfires.
Safety advice includes the following:
Avoid disposable barbecues in parks and open countryside.
Never discard cigarette ends on dry grass.
Do not light campfires.
Take litter home, especially glass bottles that can concentrate sunlight.
Report any signs of fire immediately by calling emergency services.
Emergency crews continue efforts to contain UK wildfires.Emergency crews continue efforts to contain UK wildfires.
Wildfires Affect More Than Homes
Beyond the immediate danger to people and property, wildfires can have serious environmental consequences.
The latest fires threaten the following:
Wildlife habitats.
Protected nature reserves.
Air quality.
Local biodiversity.
Agricultural land.
Conservation groups have expressed concern about the impact on rare birds, reptiles, and other species living in affected areas.
Growing Concern Over Climate Conditions
Experts say hotter summers and longer dry spells are increasing the likelihood of severe wildfires across the UK.
Recent weeks have seen:
Multiple significant wildfires across England and Wales.
This has led to increasing pressure on fire and rescue services.
Areas of southern and eastern England moving closer to drought conditions.
While individual fires can have many different causes, prolonged heat and drought create conditions that allow wildfires to spread more rapidly once they start.
What Happens Next?
Firefighters will continue monitoring hotspots and responding to new incidents as weather conditions evolve.
Authorities are focusing on:
Preventing further outbreaks.
Protecting nearby communities.
Monitoring changing wind conditions.
Supporting residents affected by evacuations.
The wildfire risk is expected to remain elevated until significant rainfall reduces the dryness of vegetation.
Conclusion
The UK wildfires’ latestupdate highlights the growing challenge posed by prolonged heat and dry weather. The major wildfire in Suffolk has prompted a significant emergency response, while fire services across the country remain prepared for additional incidents.
Officials continue to urge the public to act responsibly outdoors, as preventing even a single spark can help reduce the risk of devastating wildfires. With temperatures remaining high and drought conditions affecting parts of England, vigilance will remain essential in the weeks ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the biggest wildfire in the UK?
One of the largest current incidents is near Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, close to the Sizewell B nuclear power station.
Is the Sizewell B nuclear power station at risk?
No. Authorities have confirmed there is no threat to the nuclear power station despite the nearby wildfire.
Why are there more wildfires this summer?
Repeated heatwaves, drought conditions, and dry vegetation have significantly increased wildfire risk across parts of the UK.
How can people help prevent wildfires?
Avoid lighting fires outdoors, dispose of cigarettes safely, avoid disposable barbecues in rural areas, and report any fires immediately to emergency services.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told Donald Trump,
That he would “open up the North Sea” for oil drilling, the US president has said.
During a White House briefing on Wednesday, Mr Trump claimed the UK would be “a really rich country” if it drilled for oil and that there was up to 700 years’ worth under the sea.
Pressure to halt burning fossil fuels is ramping up further as the UK suffers its fourth heatwave of the year, with a record number of days over 35C and half the country in official drought. France and Spain have suffered devastating wildfires during an even worse heatwave amid the climate crisis.
Mr Burnham said, according to Mr Trump, that he would allow new drilling for oil (Getty/AP)
The president said he had tried to persuade Sir Keir Starmer during his premiership to “open up the North Sea” but that he could not get the then prime minister to do so.
Mr Burnham and Mr Trump spoke on the phone last Monday, but there was no mention of oil in the Downing Street summary of the conversation.
There had been reports then that the new prime minister would back new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
The president told reporters: “Well, he did say one excellent thing. He said he’s going to open up North Sea oil fields. If he does that, you’re going to be a wealthy country.”
Insisting the UK had “windmills all over the place”, which were made in China, he said Britain also bought oil from Norway.
“Norway’s got trillions of dollars in the bank. Trillions. It sells its oil from the North Sea, and Scotland has a better part of the North Sea,” Mr Trump said.
It’s been so hot that some people have used leaf-blowers to try to cool off (PA)
“And you have 500, 600, 700 years. You have areas of the North Sea that haven’t even been explored yet. You have one of the most valuable oil finds anywhere in the world, and if the United Kingdom would just… they’d be a wealthy country again.”
He went on: “I could not get Starmer to use it. It was incredible. Every oil company that I meet, and these are all big giants, and every person that I know in the oil business said, ‘Please, could you open up the North Sea? Could you get them to open it?’ They’re dying to do it.”
Claiming Aberdeen had “the best oil anywhere on the planet”, he added, “The new gentleman, when I spoke to him, said he’s going to open up the North Sea.”
The climate emergency has exacerbated French wildfires (AFP/Getty)
Asked to confirm or deny Mr Burnham had pledged to drill for oil, a No. 10 spokesperson referred to last week’s official summary of the conversation. It read: “Setting out his vision as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said he would be focused on ensuring reindustrialisation up and down the country to ensure good growth in every postcode.
“The Prime Minister also underlined his commitment to defence and security and said ensuring the security of the UK and its allies was at the top of his agenda.”
Under Sir Keir, the Labour government committed to ending new licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
How much longer North Sea oil reserves would last is disputed.
Experts from the UK’s renewable energy industry believe reserves would not last much beyond 2050. Official statistics suggest that 93 per cent of the oil and gas that is likely to be produced from the North Sea has already been extracted, and the North Sea Transition Authority believes 218 million tonnes could be taken before 2050 from existing fields.
But Offshore Energies UK says analysis has claimed much more could be extracted.
Data show overall annual production dropping by 7 per cent a year.
Mr Burnham has previously insisted he will stick to Labour’s manifesto pledge not to issue new drilling licences, but he has also refused to deny reports that he is considering approving new production.
After 3 years, adults who received a daily multivitamin had significantly better functional health scores than participants who took a placebo.
The researchers say the results suggest that multivitamins may help older adults maintain the ability to function day-to-day, possibly through benefits associated with cognitive health, circulation and physical stamina.
Maintaining the ability to handle everyday tasks without severe or limiting symptoms is an important part of quality of life as we age. New research suggests that taking a daily multivitamin may help support that independence
“What makes this work unique is our focus on functional health, on how people actually feel and function in their daily lives – not just on the prevention of major diseases,” said Bayu B. Bekele, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Prevention Institute at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
“For older adults, these findings suggest that a daily multivitamin may be a helpful, low-risk addition to a healthy lifestyle that supports physical well-being as we age, although it is not a substitute for good diet or exercise.”
A large study of adults over 60
Bekele presented the results at Nutrition 2026, the major annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. They conducted the research with Yanbin Dong, MD, PhD, Regents Professor of Medicine and director of the Georgia Prevention Institute of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
The analysis included data from more than 16,000 adults ages 60 and older who participated in the COCOA Supplement Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS).
As part of COSMOS, participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily multivitamin, a cocoa extract supplement, both supplements, or neither. The control group and participants who received only one of the two supplements were given a placebo.
Multivitamins linked to better daily function
After 3 years of supplementation, participants assigned to the multivitamin group reported significantly better functional health than participants taking a placebo. The findings were based on responses to the Kansas City (State of Missouri) Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire.
The strongest differences appeared in symptom burden and clinical summary scores. That summary score combines measures of symptom burden and physical capacity.
These results may have practical importance because functional health reflects whether people can continue to perform regular activities without being affected by fatigue or other symptoms.
Bekele said, “Multivitamin use supports cardiovascular health and overall physical function, which may help maintain the ability to perform everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, climbing stairs, jogging or walking, and completing household chores.
These benefits may be particularly relevant to individuals experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or swollen legs, which may limit daily functioning.”
cocoa extract results
Cocoa extract did not significantly improve functional health scores in the entire study population. However, it was associated with a significant benefit among participants with congestive heart failure.
Although the findings for multivitamins are encouraging, researchers emphasise that supplements should not be seen as a replacement for a balanced diet or regular physical activity. People should also talk to a doctor before starting any new supplements.
Preliminary findings require further review
Bekele presented the research during a vitamin and mineral oral session on Monday, July 27, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center (abstract).
The study was supported by grant HL157665 from the National Institutes of Health.
A committee of experts reviewed and selected the abstracts presented at Nutrition 2026. However, they have not typically completed the peer review process required before research is published in a scientific journal.
The results should therefore be considered preliminary until they appear in a peer-reviewed publication.
Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches by adding us as a favourite source. Click here to activate. Or add us as your preferred source to your Google Search settings.settings.
Eddie Howe questioned whether it was time for a change and suggested that perhaps the Newcastle team needed new energy following the defeat to Fulham on the final day of last season.
Talks took place two days later and everyone at the club left feeling aligned that he would continue. He told the club and reporters that he was all in.
Howe then enjoyed a family holiday and returned for pre-season to make the same point again. He had had time to think and realised he had taken the club as far as he could.
During that time Newcastle had sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for a combined £170m, and Bruno Guimarães told the club he wanted to move to Arsenal.
Newcastle had been busy exploring the transfer market to sign younger, less experienced players.
Howe said publicly that he backed the signings and everyone at the club was aligned, but privately he was aware the season ahead was going to be a big challenge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
He couldn’t shake that gut feeling after returning from his holiday. Multiple senior figures asked him to think about it but he was upfront and honest and said he had made his decision.
He was looking weary too, and it was picked up by reporters at their pre-season friendly against Gateshead last week.
It’s worth remembering the former Bournemouth manager was hospitalised with pneumonia last April, and has not had a proper break to recover properly.
Newcastle accepted it was time for a change and asked him to stay on until they had a replacement in situ.
So for over two weeks they have continued as if everything was okay, while Newcastle have worked diligently in the background to replace the 48-year-old. So today has not come as a shock to club hierarchy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch Eddie Howe’s final interview as Newcastle head coach following their 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City
The resignation was a decision made by Howe himself and not the club. He knew it was time to go.
The message was relayed to his backroom staff last night as they landed back in Newcastle from pre-season defeat at Bristol City.
Newcastle has pinpointed German manager Matthias Jaissle.
who is on the verge of being appointed as Howe’s successor – hence the timing of the Howe departure news this morning.
Al Ahli’s Jaissle will link up with the squad in La Manga – they fly out tomorrow – once his appointment is confirmed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie gives insight into who could replace Eddie Howe as head coach of Newcastle
Interestingly, Newcastle’s sporting director Ross Wilson appointed Ralf Hassenhüttl from the Red Bull Group when he was responsible for Southampton.
Now he has recommended Jaissle to the PIF. The German previously had two years in charge of RB Salzburg.
Questions have been asked as to whether the PIF link is the reason Newcastle have opted for Jaissle.
But I understand it has nothing to do with the Saudi links, as Jaissle’s exit actually weakens one of their clubs.
The 38-year-old is considered an energetic, front-foot manager who plays a similar style to Eddie Howe and therefore will suit the existing players.
He’s going to have to be energetic – Newcastle’s Premier League curtain-raiser is at home to Liverpool in 24 days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Former Arsenal and England striker Jay Bothroyd worries for Newcastle following the departure of Eddie Howe and predicts they could end up in a relegation battle next season
But how will Howe be remembered? He will be remembered for bringing the first silverware to St James’ Park in 70 years.
He toured the city in an open-top bus in front of 300,000 jubilant Geordies.
Two Champions League campaigns, including that 4-1 win over PSG, were also part of the story. Signing Alexander Isak and selling him for a Premier League record.
Signing Sandro Tonali and selling him for £100m, along with Anthony Gordon for £70m, were also part of the story. He has also reunited a fanbase, a football club, and a city.
And so much more.
In the wake of the sad death of Kevin Keegan, Howe is right up there alongside the King. Keegan told him when he took the chance, he was taking on the best job in the world.
Even last night Howe said, “Every day I’m responsible for Newcastle is a great day.” It was to be his last.
Nuclear power station Sizewell B is on alert over ongoing wildfires near its Suffolk site.
EDF Energy, which operates the site, said it is monitoring the situation but that there is currently no risk to the plant.
In pictures: The battle against the flames at Dunwich Heath
Fire crews are working flat out (PA)Some 18 fire engines are at the scene (Reuters)Roads to the area were closed off (Reuters)
Wildfire is a ‘serious incident’ that will have ‘all the support’ it needs, PM says
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will have “all the support” it needs to deal with the wildfire near the coast, the prime minister has pledged.
Speaking to reporters, Andy Burnham said: “We’ve got the situation under close monitoring, and I’m receiving regular updates.
“It is a grave incident. I will ensure that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has all the support, mutual aid, and other services they need, as well as any additional resources that may be required.
Fire chiefs can’t say when people will be allowed to return home
Fire chiefs say they cannot predict when residents will be able to return to homes they were forced to evacuate.
Cliff House Holiday Park, containing some 200 caravans, was completely evacuated as a precaution.
“We won’t advise people to go back to their properties until it’s absolutely safe to do so,” said chief fire officer Jon Lacey.
“But we will do that as quickly as we can to make sure they get back to their belongings and to normality.”
He said it was difficult to say when they would be able to return.
Some people had left their homes voluntarily, while others left on the advice of fire crews.
Some 46 people were at the evacuation centre.
Help from other fire services to be drafted in
Fire chiefs say they will start calling on other fire services in the UK to relieve crews working at Dunwich Heath.
Suffolk’s chief fire officer Jon Lacey said, “We’re now at the point where the crews need relieving.”
He added: “They need their respirators to keep them safe and sound so we do now start to pull up on our regional resources from other fire services.”
He said, “We’re expecting an ask to go in for national resources, which come from further away.
Flames attack RSPB Minsmere
The Suffolk blaze has spread to parts of the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, which staff say will remain closed until further notice.
Trees have been blackened and ground scorched.
Reserve staff wrote on social media: “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with a significant fire at Minsmere, which started late on Wednesday afternoon near Dunwich Heath.
“Due to hot, windy conditions, the situation is changing rapidly and we urge everyone to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
“Local residents are also advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the fire service and all partners responding to this incident.”
And they begged people to take extra care outdoors, warning it takes only a single spark to start a wildfire
Sizewell C issues update on wildfire
Sizewell C, a nuclear power station currently under construction, has said it is at “low risk” of being affected by the ongoing wildfire but that it is “continuously assessing smoke conditions”.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the fire at Dunwich Heath, which currently poses a low risk to Sizewell C due to its distance from the site and the watercourses in between.
“Our sites and offices remain open and operating as normal. We are continuously assessing smoke conditions and any impacts on the road network to help keep people safe and ensure emergency services have priority access.
“We remain ready to support the local community, working closely with the local council, police and fire and rescue service.”
It comes as EDF, the operator of Sizewell B, said the fire is “not currently affecting operations” at the station.
In pictures: Smoke covers Suffolk’s sky as firefighters tackle massive blaze
Fire crews are continuing to tackle the blaze (PA)Pictures show smoke covering scorched fields (PA)Smoke is covering the sky near Leiston (PA)
UK’s record-breaking heatwaves led to almost 3,000 deaths
Heatwave-related deaths in the UK have almost doubled this year compared to last summer, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal.
A report estimates 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred during the heatwaves in May and June alone.
This total includes an estimated 753 deaths linked to the May heatwave (24-27 May) and a further 2,124 during the June heatwave (21-28 June). These figures are nearly twice the number reported for the entire summer period of June to August last year.
Fire is covering 100 hectares, with 18 fire engines continuing to battle the blaze.
The wildfire at Dunwich Heath is covering around 100 hectares – or 247 acres – as fire crews continue to tackle the blaze.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said it has 18 fire engines at the scene, working in what it called “challenging conditions”.
It added that a number of residents have evacuated, while others have chosen to self-evacuate.
The music industry woke up to a jolt this week after BTS, the seven-member South Korean supergroup that has redefined global pop, announced they would not submit their comeback album ARIRANG for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards. Within hours, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr issued a lengthy public statement calling the decision one that saddened him while defending the Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category that many believe triggered the withdrawal.
For an act that has been nominated five times, performed on the Grammy stage, and helped push the ceremony’s global viewership to record highs, the decision is more than a headline. It represents a philosophical stand about how international artists should be judged, what “global music” really means at the world’s most prestigious music awards, and whether new genre categories genuinely include artists or quietly sideline them.
This article examines every angle of the story: what happened, why it happened, how the Recording Academy responded, what it means for BTS, for K-pop, and for the future of the Grammys. Readers will find the full timeline, the historical context of BTS at the Grammys, expert analysis of the controversy, and answers to every question fans are asking.
BTS members on stage next to a Grammy Award trophy representing the 2027 Grammy Awards boycott
What Happened: BTS Withdraws From 2027 Grammy Consideration
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, all seven members of BTS-RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook posted identical statements on their individual Instagram accounts announcing that the group would not submit any music for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards, which are scheduled for February 2027.
The translated Korean-language statement read, “We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year. We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank ARMY and everyone who has always stood by us.”
The message was brief, deliberate, and coordinated across seven of the most-followed accounts in music. It did not mention the Recording Academy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category by name, but the reference to being “divided by region or language” left little doubt about the trigger. According to Rolling Stone, industry observers immediately read the withdrawal as a formal protest against the new genre-specific award, which was introduced weeks earlier.
Hours later, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. issued his own statement addressing the withdrawal. He said he was saddened by the decision but understood and respected it, and he used the platform to defend the intent behind the new Asian Pop category.
The Grammys CEO Response: Harvey Mason Jr.’s Full Statement Explained
Harvey Mason Jr., who has led the Recording Academy since 2021, took to social media on the evening of July 29 with a carefully worded response that many public relations analysts described as measured and non-defensive.
Mason Jr. said he was saddened to learn BTS had chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator himself, he understood and respected their decision. He then pivoted to what he called a clarification of something that he felt was getting lost in the conversation.
He explained that the Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. Harvey stressed that the spirit of the new category was to shine a dedicated spotlight on important artists in that space, and he pushed back on the idea that the category was designed to divide.
Mason Jr emphasised a critical technical point: submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop does not disqualify an artist from also being considered in the General Field, which includes the most coveted categories at the show, such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. He closed by saying the Grammy organisation exists to serve music and all the people who make it and pledged that the Academy would continue to listen to the global music community.
The response was widely covered by Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and ABC News and stood out for what it did not include: any hint of walking back the new category or reconsidering the eligibility rules.
Background: The Best Asian Pop Music Performance Category
To understand the boycott, readers need to understand the category at the centre of it.
On June 16, 2026, the Recording Academy announced five new Grammy categories for the 2027 ceremony:
Best Asian Pop Music Performance
Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
Best Traditional Folk Album
Best Latin Song
The Asian Pop category was described as recognising artistic excellence in Asian pop music performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including but not limited to K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. The rules require meaningful use of one or more Asian languages, and recordings performed entirely in English are not eligible.
That linguistic requirement created an immediate contradiction for BTS. Much of their most commercially successful recent music, including the ARIRANG lead single “Swim”, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, is performed in English. Under the new rules, “Swim” could not even qualify for the Asian Pop category, meaning the group would be competing on the same general terms as before regardless of the new addition.
Critics of the category, including some music journalists and industry insiders, have argued that even though the rules technically permit dual submission in General Field categories, in practice voters may steer Asian artists toward the genre bucket and away from Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year contention.
How the Latin Category Comparison Cuts Both Ways
Supporters of the new Asian Pop award point to the Latin Grammy structure and the fact that Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammys by becoming the first artist to win Album of the Year with a predominantly Spanish-language album. That result, they argue, proves the General Field is genuinely open to non-English music and that genre categories do not create a ceiling.
Sceptics counter that the Latin Grammys are a separate awards ceremony operated by the Latin Recording Academy and that the Recording Academy has not proposed spinning off Asian pop into its own show. Instead, the new category sits inside the existing Pop & Dance/Electronic Field, which some fear will function as a designated lane rather than an added opportunity.
BTS at the Grammys: A Complete History
BTS entered the Grammy conversation as trailblazers. They were the only K-pop group to have earned a Grammy nomination for years and remained the standard-bearer for Korean pop at the Recording Academy until the 2026 ceremony, when several other K-pop artists received nominations in top categories.
Here is the full record of BTS at the Grammys:
Year
Nomination
Category
Result
2021
“Dynamite”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Lost
2022
“Butter”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Lost
2023
“My Universe” (with Coldplay)
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Lost
2023
Music of the Spheres (as featured artist on Coldplay’s album)
Album of the Year
Lost
2023
“Yet to Come”
Best Music Video
Lost
Five nominations. Zero wins. That is the record the group carries into the ARIRANG era, and it is a record that has long frustrated the fan base known as ARMY. The 2024 ceremony passed without a single BTS-related nomination, despite a string of critically praised solo albums from members during their hiatus, including Jack in the Box, Layover, D-DAY, FACE, and Indigo.
An interesting parallel emerged in coverage from Billboard: Harvey Mason Jr himself has been nominated for exactly five Grammys without winning, as a producer on Justin Timberlake’s Justified and on the Dreamgirls, Pitch Perfect 2, and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert soundtracks, plus a songwriter nomination for Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough”.
The ARIRANG Album That Won’t Compete
The album now removed from Grammy contention is arguably the biggest release of BTS’s career and possibly the biggest lost Grammy opportunity of the year for the Recording Academy.
ARIRANG is the group’s fifth studio album, released on March 20, 2026, after all seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 641,000 equivalent units, marking the biggest opening week for a group album in more than a decade. It also debuted at No. 1 on South Korea’s Circle Chart, Japan’s Oricon Charts, and the UK Official Albums Chart.
Metacritic scored the album at 83, indicating universal acclaim, and it moved 110 million Spotify streams on its first day. The lead single “Swim” topped the Billboard Hot 100. A second track, “Normal”, was also considered a strong Grammy contender.
Before the withdrawal, Gold Derby had ARIRANG projected as the favourite for Best Asian Pop Music Performance and a serious contender in Album of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. That entire projection has now been wiped off the board.
Fact Box: ARIRANG by the Numbers
Release date: March 20, 2026
Billboard 200 debut: No. 1 with 641,000 units
Spotify first-day streams: 110 million
Metacritic score: 83
Lead single: “Swim” (No. 1 Billboard Hot 100)
Grammy submissions from this album: Zero
Why It Matters: The Industry Stakes
The withdrawal matters for reasons that go beyond one album cycle.
First, it removes what would likely have been the biggest global draw from the 2027 telecast at a moment when the Grammys, like all major American awards shows, have been fighting for younger and more international audiences. BTS delivers a level of social media engagement and global viewership that few acts can match.
Second, it puts the Recording Academy in the difficult position of defending a diversity initiative that a leading diverse act has publicly rejected. The optics are complicated: an award created to celebrate Asian pop artistry is now associated with the biggest Asian pop act declining to participate at all.
Third, it forces a conversation the industry has largely avoided. Should genre-specific categories be additive or exclusive? Should artists whose commercial reach is global be evaluated by regional filters? Is language a fair proxy for genre?
Career and Financial Impact for BTS
For BTS as a business, the immediate financial cost is essentially zero. The group is signed to HYBE, one of the largest entertainment companies in the world, and ARIRANG has already generated massive revenue through streaming, physical sales, and the ongoing world tour. A Grammy win would have added prestige but not materially changed the group’s earnings.
The reputational impact is more complicated. Winning a competitive General Field Grammy would have been historic. Walking away from the process on principle may build long-term credibility with fans who value artistic integrity while costing the group a shot at a trophy that has eluded them for five straight years.
For the Grammys, however, the financial and prestige stakes are real. Losing a headline performance and a top-tier nominee affects broadcast negotiations, sponsor conversations, and the show’s positioning as truly international.
Industry Reaction and Expert Commentary
Reaction across the music industry was swift and split.
Publications including Rolling Stone, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter framed the decision as a significant rebuke of the Recording Academy’s approach to international artists, while Forbes contributor Hugh McIntyre, who had earlier predicted ARIRANG could deliver BTS its biggest Grammy year yet, noted that the new category had been widely read as being tailored for the group.
Gold Derby‘s analysis called BTS’s decision a shift that “completely explodes the Grammy landscape” in what was shaping up as a historic year for Asian representation. Other K-pop acts, including Blackpink’s Jennie and the collaborative “Iconic by Mistake” project featuring Le Sserafim, Illit, and Katseye, are still expected to remain in contention.
BTS is not the first major act to opt out of Grammy consideration. Drake, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen have all withdrawn from the process at various points, largely in response to what they perceived as prior snubs. What distinguishes the BTS decision is that it appears to be a principled objection to a category structure rather than a reaction to a specific past loss.
Notably, all seven BTS members have served as Recording Academy voting members since 2019, meaning they remain part of the same institution they are stepping back from as nominees.
Social Media Reaction: What ARMY Is Saying
The reaction from ARMY was overwhelmingly supportive of the group’s stance. Fans took to X, Instagram, and Weverse to praise BTS for what they described as principled resistance to a category they felt was designed to bracket the group into a lesser tier.
Common themes in the fan response included:
Applauding the group for prioritizing artistic identity over trophies
Criticizing the Recording Academy for what many called a decade of overlooked nominations
Highlighting the irony that “Swim”, an English-language hit, would not have qualified for the new Asian Pop category anyway
Renewed frustration over the fact that despite five nominations, the group has never won a Grammy
Some fans expressed disappointment, arguing that a Grammy win for ARIRANG would have been a historic milestone worth pursuing on the group’s own terms. The overall sentiment, however, leaned strongly toward viewing the withdrawal as a moment of collective self-respect.
Historical Comparison: Boycotts and Withdrawals at the Grammys
Grammy withdrawals are rare enough to be newsworthy, but they are not unprecedented. A brief comparison:
The Weeknd (2021 onwards): Boycotted the Grammys after After Hours received zero nominations, calling the process “corrupt”. He has continued to opt out in subsequent years.
Drake (multiple years): Publicly criticised the Grammys and pulled submissions on several occasions, arguing the show does not accurately reflect popular music.
Morgan Wallen: Has not submitted for Grammy consideration in recent cycles.
BTS (2027): Differs from the above because the group’s stated reason is not a personal snub but a structural objection to a new category designed in part with their genre in mind.
The BTS withdrawal is closer in spirit to broader industry protests over category design than to the individual grievances of previous boycotting artists.
Timeline: How the Story Unfolded
March 20, 2026: BTS releases ARIRANG, their first group album after military service
March 2026: Album debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 with 641,000 units
June 16, 2026: Recording Academy announces five new Grammy categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance
July 23, 2026: Forbes publishes analysis suggesting ARIRANG could deliver BTS its biggest Grammy year yet
July 29, 2026: All seven BTS members announce via Instagram that they will not submit music for the 2027 Grammys
July 29, 2026 (evening): Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr issues public response saying he is saddened but respectful of the decision
July 30, 2026: Global media coverage intensifies, with commentary from Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, ABC News, and international outlets
Future Predictions: What Comes Next
Several plausible scenarios are worth watching in the months ahead.
The Recording Academy is unlikely to rescind the new Asian Pop category outright but may quietly revisit the language requirement or clarify submission guidelines to reduce the appearance of segregation.
Other K-pop and Asian pop acts will now face pressure to decide whether to follow BTS’s lead or engage with the category as designed. Their decisions will shape whether the boycott remains an isolated act or becomes a movement.
BTS itself has left the door open for future participation. The wording of the statement referred specifically to “this year”, not to a permanent break with the Grammys. If the eligibility rules evolve, or if the group releases new music in a different context, a return to the process is entirely possible.
For the 2027 telecast, producers now face the challenge of building a global tentpole show without one of the world’s most-watched acts on the nominee list. Expect increased focus on other international nominees and potentially new performance slots designed to fill the visibility gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BTS decide not to submit for the 2027 Grammy Awards?
BTS said they hope their music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language. The statement is widely understood as an objection to the Recording Academy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
What did the Grammys’ CEO say in response?
Harvey Mason Jr. said he was saddened by the decision but understood and respected it. He defended the new Asian Pop category as an effort to expand recognition, not to divide artists, and clarified that submitting in a genre category does not exclude an artist from general field consideration.
What is the best Asian pop music performance category?
It is a new Grammy category introduced in June 2026 for the 2027 ceremony. It recognises pop performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, and requires meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
Has BTS ever won a Grammy?
No. BTS has received five Grammy nominations and has never won a competitive Grammy as a performing act.
Which BTS album was expected to be a Grammy contender?
ARIRANG, released in March 2026, was expected to compete for Album of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the single “Swim”, and Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
Are BTS members still part of the Recording Academy?
Yes. All seven members have served as voting members of the Recording Academy since 2019, which is a separate role from submitting their own music for nomination.
Have other artists boycotted the Grammys before?
Yes. Drake, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen have all opted out of Grammy submission in previous years, though generally in response to perceived snubs rather than category design.
Could BTS return to the Grammys in future years?
The group’s statement referenced only “this year”, leaving open the possibility of future participation. Their return would likely depend on how the Recording Academy evolves its category rules and eligibility guidelines.
When will the 2027 Grammy Awards take place?
The 69th Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 2027.
Does the new category exclude English-language songs by Asian artists?
Yes. The Asian Pop category rules require meaningful use of an Asian language. BTS’s lead ARIRANG single “Swim”, which is primarily in English, would not have been eligible for the new category regardless.
