Filipino pop groups SB19 and BINI are supporting the Grammy Awards’ new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, describing it as an opportunity to introduce more international audiences to music from the Philippines. Both groups have submitted songs for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards, while emphasising that regional recognition should not limit Asian artists’ chances in broader award categories.
In interviews with Billboard published on October 13, 2026, members of the two groups discussed the importance of visibility for Filipino performers and the opportunities created by the new category. BINI members Aiah and Maloi said, ‘We see it as a door opening, not a box closing,’ expressing their view that the category can expand the audience for Asian pop rather than restrict its reach.
SB19 Submits ‘VISA’ for Consideration
SB19 submitted its song ‘VISA’ for consideration in the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The group also submitted ‘LAWLESS’ for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, according to Philippine media reports published on October 13.
Member Stell said the group selected ‘VISA’ because it represents its vocal performance and cultural identity. The song addresses challenges Filipinos face when seeking visas to work abroad, bringing a social theme into the group’s pop music.
SB19 consists of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin. The group has developed an international audience through performances, digital releases and promotional activities outside the Philippines, while continuing to incorporate Filipino identity into its music.
In the Billboard interview, leader Pablo said winning the inaugural award would demonstrate that the Philippines produces music with international relevance. He said, ‘It would show the world that the Philippines isn’t just a market. It’s a source of original, world-class music.’
BINI Enters Three Grammy Categories
BINI submitted ‘Unang Kilig’ for Best Asian Pop Music Performance and entered the Best New Artist category. The group also submitted ‘A Parallel World’, an original song written by Nathan Matthew David and Shawn Serrano for the animated film Forgotten Island, for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Member Jhoanna explained that ‘Unang Kilig’ reflects the group’s musical identity, energy and Filipino roots. The selection gives Grammy voters an example of the group’s contemporary pop sound while highlighting the cultural background that informs its work.
BINI comprises Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena. The eight-member group debuted in 2021 after emerging from ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy and built a substantial following through songs including ‘Pantropiko’, ‘Salamin, Salamin’ and ‘Cherry on Top’.
The group has also expanded its international performance profile. In April 2026, BINI performed at Coachella, becoming the first act formed in the Philippines to perform at the festival, according to Billboard’s report. The appearance followed the release of its Signals EP, which included ‘Unang Kilig’.
Why the New Category Matters
The Recording Academy introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance among its new categories for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The category recognises artistic excellence in Asian pop performances originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
The category creates a dedicated space for performances from a region with diverse musical traditions and growing international audiences. For Filipino artists, it offers another route to recognition beyond categories in which performers from different countries and musical markets compete against one another.
However, the introduction of a regional category has prompted discussion about whether it could unintentionally limit artists to a particular market or identity. Some established Asian acts have chosen not to participate, reflecting concerns about how regional recognition should relate to the Grammys’ broader categories.
SB19 and BINI have said they want the new category to increase visibility without creating a ceiling for Asian artists. In the Billboard interview, SB19 member Justin said, ‘The most important change moving forward is ensuring that the existence of this category does not become a ceiling.’
Artists Seek Wider Representation
Justin also said that greater participation from Southeast Asian musicians in shaping the category would help ensure that it reflects the region’s music. His comments point to the importance of including artists from a range of countries and musical traditions as the Recording Academy develops the award.
BINI members have similarly described the category as a chance to introduce listeners to artists they might not otherwise discover. Member Mikha said that the recognition of Asian pop could help audiences unfamiliar with the Philippines discover the country’s musical talent.
The discussion reflects a broader question about how international music awards recognise regional scenes while allowing artists to compete across genres. Filipino performers have increasingly pursued international opportunities through live performances, streaming platforms and collaborations, helping bring P-pop to wider audiences.
Grammy Voting and the Next Steps
The 69th Grammy Awards will recognise recordings released within the eligibility period running from August 31, 2025, through August 28, 2026. The first round of voting opened in October, with Recording Academy members reviewing eligible submissions and selecting nominees.
The Recording Academy is scheduled to announce nominations on November 16, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on February 7, 2027, in Los Angeles. SB19’s and BINI’s submissions are entries for consideration and do not confirm that either group has secured a nomination.
Both groups have continued to promote their music internationally while campaigning for Grammy recognition. Their participation places Filipino pop within the discussion surrounding the Academy’s new Asian category as the first nomination process moves forward.
As of October 14, 2026, the nominations remain pending. The outcome will determine whether SB19, BINI or other eligible Asian pop performers advance to the final stage of competition for the category’s inaugural award.