Peshawar court unblocks IDs of four May 9 accused

BTS has stunned fans and the music industry by announcing that they will not submit their music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards in 2027. The decision has quickly become one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year, with the Recording Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., publicly responding to the K-pop group’s unexpected boycott.  The seven-member group shared a joint message explaining that they hope their music will be “heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” Although BTS did not directly criticize the Recording Academy, their statement has widely been interpreted as a protest against the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which will debut at the 69th Grammy Awards.  Responding to the announcement, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was “saddened” by BTS’ decision but respected the group’s choice. He emphasized that the new Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian music rather than separate it from mainstream recognition.  Mason also addressed concerns that artists placed in the new category would be excluded from the Grammys’ top honors. He clarified that submitting work for a genre-specific category does not affect eligibility for major awards such as Album of the Year, Song of the Year, or Record of the Year. According to Mason, artists can compete in both genre and general field categories at the same time.  The controversy has sparked intense debate among fans and industry observers. Supporters of BTS argue that music should be evaluated based on artistic merit rather than geographical origin or language. Others believe the new category could provide greater recognition for Asian artists who have historically been underrepresented at the Grammys.  The boycott is particularly notable because BTS returned this year with their comeback album ARIRANG after completing military service. The album topped charts worldwide, making many fans expect the group to compete strongly during the upcoming awards season. Instead, the band has chosen to make a statement about representation in global music.  Whether BTS’ decision influences other K-pop artists remains to be seen, but it has already ignited an important conversation about how international musicians are recognized on one of music’s biggest stages. As the 2027 Grammys approach, the Recording Academy will likely continue facing questions over balancing inclusivity with equal competition for artists from around the world. 

The Queen family is mourning the loss of Barry Mitchell, an early bassist who played an important role during the legendary rock band’s formative years. Mitchell died on August 17, 2026, according to reports, prompting tributes from fans and people connected to Queen. (The Sun⁠) Although Mitchell was not part of Queen’s classic lineup, his contribution came during a crucial period when the band was still finding its sound. He joined Queen in 1970 after original bassist Mike Grose left. The official Queen live archive confirms that Mitchell played the next 11 shows during the band’s earliest performing days. (Queen Online⁠) At the time, Queen consisted of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and Mitchell on bass. The group had not yet become the worldwide rock phenomenon fans know today. John Deacon would join later in 1971 and complete the classic lineup. Mitchell’s time with Queen was brief. He remained with the band for around six months before leaving in early 1971. Reports say he played approximately 13 performances, mostly in the United Kingdom. (The Sun⁠) Even though his time in the group was short, Mitchell was present while some of Queen’s earliest songs were being developed. His period with the band included work around tracks such as “Liar,” “Son and Daughter” and “Keep Yourself Alive,” giving him a unique connection to the band’s beginnings. (Queen Vault⁠) Queen’s official archivist Greg Brooks confirmed the sad news and remembered Mitchell warmly. He described the former bassist’s stories about Queen’s early years as fascinating and said he would be greatly missed. (Edinburgh Live⁠) For longtime Queen fans, Mitchell represented a piece of the band’s history that is often overlooked. Before Queen filled stadiums and produced some of rock’s most famous albums, the group was a young band playing small venues and experimenting with its musical identity. Mitchell later returned to music after spending some time away from the industry. He also remained connected with the Queen fan community, attending conventions and sharing memories from his time alongside Mercury, May and Taylor. (The Sun⁠) His death marks another poignant moment for fans looking back at Queen’s remarkable journey. While Barry Mitchell may not have been part of the lineup that eventually conquered the world, he was there when the story was only beginning. His contribution lasted just months, but his place in Queen’s history will remain part of the band’s extraordinary early chapter.