BTS Shines at Grammy Awards... First Korean Artist to Perform

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) illuminated the Grammy Awards with a short but powerful performance. On the 26th (local time), BTS took the stage during the second part of the 62nd Grammy Awards ceremony held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, USA, performing alongside rapper Lil Nas X, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, and others as the 'Old Town Road All-Stars.'

The performance began with Lil Nas X alone in a room, leading his hit song 'Old Town Road.' As the rotating stage turned and the background changed to a cityscape at night, BTS appeared, prompting a roar of cheers from the audience. Leader RM opened a door in the stage partition to greet Lil Nas X. Soon after, rappers Suga, J-Hope, and others joined in, continuing with a rap line from 'Seoul Town Road,' a twist on 'Old Town Road.'

RM had previously released the collaborative track 'Seoul Town Road' featuring 'Old Town Road' in July last year. On this day, RM, Suga, and J-Hope cleverly referenced the Korean hoe tool with lyrics such as "I got the homis in my bag" and "Homis made of steel, from Korea, they're the be-e-est," showcasing the 'Seoul Town Road' lyrics.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Vocal line members Jin, V, Jimin, and Jungkook then appeared to sing the chorus of 'Old Town Road.' BTS made another appearance afterward, joining Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, and child singer Mason Ramsey to perform the chorus together. Although it was not their signature synchronized choreography, they showed natural stage manners while grooving energetically with their fellow performers. Screens on both sides of the stage displayed the night cityscape along with the words 'BTS,' the Korean word 'Ami,' and 'Connect.'

This marked the first time a Korean artist graced the Grammy stage, the highest authority in the pop music world. Following their attendance as presenters at last year’s Grammy Awards, BTS performed as artists for the second consecutive year. However, there was considerable regret over not having a solo stage. Pop DJ Bae Cheol-soo, who hosted the Mnet live broadcast, said, "It is deeply moving to see a Korean artist perform at the Grammys," but also expressed, "I once again express my disappointment."