aespa has seemingly entered the race for a “Best New Artist” nomination at the 2026 Grammy Awards — but the reaction online hasn’t been entirely positive.
While fans were initially proud to see SM Entertainment aiming high for the group, the move has quickly sparked ridicule and turned into one of the most debated topics on social media.
According to reports, SM submitted aespa for the category following a year filled with major activities, including their popular singles “Dirty Work” and “Rich Man.” The group also made several U.S. appearances, from talk show interviews to live performances, signaling SM’s continued efforts to strengthen their global presence.
.@aespa_official performs “Rich Man”! pic.twitter.com/FZz8QSt4GQ
— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) September 24, 2025
However, despite the label’s ambitions, many netizens believe the submission was overly optimistic.
me applying to harvard with a 1.2 gpa and a recommendation letter from my grandma:
— chase 🌊 (@poplipa) October 3, 2025
On X (formerly Twitter), netizens mocked the idea of aespa being recognized as “new artists” nearly six years into their career.
pic.twitter.com/mYDE0niDDL https://t.co/yIzgDKiQKz
— rim ✦ (@bratzlibra) October 4, 2025
que novos artistas são esses com quase 6 anos de carreira? https://t.co/GiXE4DvxVR
— ritoru kei (@ritorukeii) October 3, 2025
Others criticized the group’s live performances, referencing previous controversies such as their Good Morning America stage earlier this year.
Category: best lip syncing https://t.co/aT9mTDpolY
— 🦂 (@lovethve) October 4, 2025
not even best new artist in GMA https://t.co/sSM8bQaiks pic.twitter.com/iv2u4uotuw
— adriana pequeña 🪽🪽🪽🗣️🚬 (@ninlr9) October 3, 2025
Some even accused SM of “setting the girls up” for unnecessary backlash by pushing for an award that feels out of reach.
SM setting them up with this submission 😭
— TOnT🍝🍅 (@lesserallit123) October 4, 2025
Still, not everyone agreed with the negativity. Many fans came to aespa’s defense, pointing out that other K-pop acts like ENHYPEN and ATEEZ also submitted for the same category without facing the same level of scrutiny.
No one said anything Abt enhypen OR ateez submitting for "best new artist" but when aespa did it basically it became a problem
proof y'all just want to hate on them for no reason https://t.co/vKMA1F7pIz— 𝖬𝖺𝗅 (@KindOfSupernova) October 4, 2025
Enhypen and ateez submitted as well but ofcourse it’s gonna be a problem for twitter users when aespa does it, youll never convince me that the hate is not forced 😂 https://t.co/TDUNkkIKt4
— alia 𖥔݁ (@aeddictions) October 4, 2025
While it remains to be seen if aespa will secure an actual nomination, their Grammy submission has already sparked heated debate, proving once again that every move the group makes continues to spark massive buzz among K-Pop followers.
