
When it was announced in December 2018 that BTS’ LOVE YOURSELF: Tear album was nominated for Best Recording Package, naysayers were quick to point out that it wasn’t a Grammy nod for the popular group themselves or their music. Rather, it was a nomination for BTS’ Art Director team, HuskyFox.

Still, many ARMYs took it as a step in the right direction, especially when shortly after, in February 2019, BTS were confirmed as presenters on the prestigious night. And what a night it was, as ARMYs, the US media, and the general public saw how BTS came out winning in the end.
Here are the 5 ways that BTS won on Music’s Biggest Night.
#1: BTS were embraced warmly
If the 2018 BBMAs and AMAs were the US media and the general public’s introduction to BTS, this year sees them being welcomed even more warmly by media, fellow musicians and artists, and staff alike.
Here’s Jin talking about how Grammy staff recognized them and even talked to them in their language.
I'M SOBBING ?
2014 Jin: you don't know annyeonghaseyo??
2019:#TearItUpBTS @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/xSMzFCFwYY
— tan?️it's hobiuary y'all ? (@tantan_Bangtan) February 11, 2019
Here are some indicators that we’ve observed of how well BTS were treated that night:
-
- All interviewers wanted to get some time with the septet.
- Those who were unfortunate enough not to get some time with the group later (quite hilariously) posted about BTS being interviewed next to them or being caught passing by in their cameras.
- Many artists and musicians knew the group and wanted to interact or take photos with them; Jimin, in particular, was very happy that he got recognized by Shawn Mendez when he was standing alone outside of the bathrooms.
- The Grammys arranged for BTS to walk the A-listers’ Red Carpet.
- The Grammy show frequently cut to snippets of the boys’ reactions during many of the night’s performances.
- BTS had well-known well-wishers on social media including Tyra Banks.
How do you spell #GRAMMYs?
B.
T.
S.Auntie TyTy is SO proud of you fierce babes! ? #BTSARMY pic.twitter.com/CBsoH5jUu2
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) February 11, 2019
#2: BTS had the time of their lives
In typical BTS fashion, BTS enjoyed themselves throughout the night. It was perhaps good timing that for the 2019 edition of the Grammys, there were many excellent performances.
One behavior that we’ve come to expect of BTS is their humility. In events where they are new to the scene, BTS members (like RM and Jungkook) have spoken about keeping it on the low. Hence, we don’t see the usual frolicking puppy antics that we are treated to in Korean end-of-year award shows. Still, even from their seats, BTS managed to thoroughly enjoy the performances.
Here are Taehyung and Jimin enjoying H.E.R.’s fantastic performance.
VMIN HAVING A BLAST #TEARITUPBTS pic.twitter.com/BoVEaIxRk2
— 형이^^ (@kreamytae) February 11, 2019
And since we’re talking about fun, then we can’t NOT mention the Glambot. It’s not easy to look good for the glambot but BTS unsurprisingly makes it to E!’s Best of Glambot 2019.
#3: BTS were able to witness amazing US artists perform onstage
Let’s digress for a minute.
What happens when a bibliophile enters some of the world’s best libraries? Or when a young artist enters the Louvre for the first time? Or when a music lover perhaps attends a concert of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra?
As we intuitively know, human beings grow from new experiences. BTS on Grammy night was able to witness some stellar performances.
Here is Jimin sharing: Today, I had a really priceless experience. I will not forget the precious moments. Thank you, ARMY!
(Translation provided by our own #Eppi and #Ai.)
오늘 정말 값진 경험을 했습니다
소중한 시간들 잊지않을게요
감사합니다 아미여러분#JIMIN#Grammys pic.twitter.com/gmS34uzFkx— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) February 11, 2019
Similar to when BTS proudly shared their experience of meeting and being taught personally by Korean music legend Seo Taiji, the boys talked passionately about how their night at the Grammys was so precious and amazing.
Watch all 7 boys talk about it here during their vlive to fans right after the show. (Make sure to turn on English subs.)
#4: They had an unforgettable interaction with legend Dolly Parton
Color us surprised when we saw BTS jamming enthusiastically during Dolly Parton’s special tribute. The moment, happily captured on live TV, became viral and was soon being shared on social media and media networks.
Who knew Jungkook had a special spot for Jolene? Jungkook knowing all the words to the iconic song and doing the runs along with the performers captured viewers’ hearts.
The next surprise? Dolly Parton herself tweeting and @’ing BTS about a collab.
Maybe my next #Jolene collab will be with @BTS_twt? What do y'all think? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/d64K6sUSmY
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) February 12, 2019
And btw, that Dolly Parton tribute was lit!
#5: Increased visibility in the US and open doors
In a milestone moment, BTS’ first major US public appearance — their 2017 Billboard Top Social Artist win — would signal the start of their unprecedented rise in popularity in America.
And while BTS coverage has become a standard due to the sheer number of ARMY, still, the amount and duration of the coverage was quite astounding. Articles, tweets, and videos from top tier publications were still being published days after the actual event.
Apart from the bonus visibility and exposure the event afforded, BTS’ US visit is sure to have spawned more opportunities for the band.
As an example, fans are speculating on this ongoing mystery:
Baz Luhrmann teases collaboration with Korean superstars @BTS_twt https://t.co/fYF3XyC5AE pic.twitter.com/ix24mJuwAR
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 15, 2019
And here’s another. BTS with Dior designer Kim Jones. We’re calling BTS attending the Met Gala in Dior!
With Kim Jones!!?✌️?? pic.twitter.com/pk4w1iN7ez
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) February 10, 2019
And that folks, is how BTS wins the 2019 Grammys. What does next year have in store for them? We can’t wait!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.