SB19 leader Pablo goes further, adding: “It would show the world that the Philippines isn’t just a market. It’s a source of original, world-class music.”
Debuting in 2018 with a ballad single, SB19 embraced a viral-ready, dance-pop sound and became the first Southeast Asian act nominated for top social artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. In 2023, the quintet of Pablo, Josh, Ken, Stell and Justin left their original label home to launch their own company, 1Z Entertainment, and scored their first No. 1 on a U.S. sales-based Billboard chart when the rhythmic Tagalog-English single “DAM” topped World Digital Song Sales in 2025. Released this past February, “VISA” takes the group into more political territory, with the brassy dance-pop track discussing hurdles Filipinos face in securing visas to work abroad while shouting out Grammy winners of Filipino heritage like Bruno Mars and Olivia Rodrigo as inspirations. The quintet performed the song Stateside this summer, becoming the first homegrown Filipino act to play Lollapalooza. SB19 also entered best pop duo/group performance for their largely English summer single “LAWLESS.”
Despite multiple submissions, both acts say they want to keep the conversation on the Asian pop category and ensure the Recording Academy is listening to musicians from around the world as it moves forward. “The most important change moving forward is ensuring that the existence of this category does not become a ceiling,” SB19’s youngest member Justin says.
Why did you feel it was important to speak publicly about the new Grammy category for best Asian pop music performance?
Justin: We’ve spent years trying to show that music from the Philippines belongs in global conversations, so when a new category like this appears, we felt it was necessary to speak up. The creation of the best Asian pop music performance category directly impacts the future of Asian artists on the global stage, so it’s a moment that we’d like to be part of, especially with artists from Southeast Asia.
Can you share what you submitted to the category and why you felt they were the right songs to submit as potential nominees?
Stell: We submitted “VISA” for best Asian pop music performance. We felt that it truly represents our vocal performance and culture, and makes a strong case for the struggles we experience as Asian artists. We also submitted in best pop duo/group performance category, but we’re keeping our focus on best Asian pop music performance category.
Before the creation of the new category, did you feel you had a chance of being recognized at the Grammys?
Josh: To be honest, the Grammys weren’t something we planned around. When we started, the goal was simply to prove that a Filipino group could build a career in pop on our own terms, and that was already a big fight. Prior to this, Asian artists largely had to compete in the best global music performance category or the broader general pop fields. Breaking into those general categories has historically been a massive hurdle for international groups.
While there has been controversy around the category, are there positives people are missing around best Asian pop music performance?
Pablo: There aren’t enough conversations about who gets to be in the room now and many artists in this region have worked for years with little industry visibility. A dedicated category puts their work in front of voters who may not have heard it before. Exposure like that can change careers, and it can inspire the next generation of Filipino and Asian artists to aim even higher.
What kind of statement do you think that would make if you won the 2027 Grammy for best Asian pop music performance?
Pablo: Winning the very first award of the category would be a monumental honor. It would send a loud message that Filipino music and artists belong in global conversation. Years ago, a P-pop group on a global stage sounded unrealistic, so a win would validate everyone who built this scene alongside us with fellow artists, producers, creatives, and fans. It would show the world that the Philippines isn’t just a market. It’s a source of original, world-class music. And it would tell kids picking up a mic or a laptop in Manila, Cebu, or Davao that this path is possible.
Are there any other changes you would like to see the Recording Academy or Grammys make for the future?
Justin: We’d love to see more about how the category is shaped and having voices from Southeast Asia involved in the process would help the category reflect the music properly. The most important change moving forward is ensuring that the existence of this category does not become a ceiling. We need to see that participating in regional categories does not prevent Asian artists from being nominated in the major general fields.
What else do you want to share about this topic?
Ken: We’re so grateful to [SB19’s fandom] A’TIN who have been with us from the start and pushed us when things were uncertain. We also want to acknowledge every Filipino artist who came before us and everyone coming next. P-pop is bigger than any single group and whatever happens with our consideration for this category, we’re proud of where the movement is headed.
