Coachella’s reported pursuit of BTS has ended without a deal, leaving the festival to build its 2027 lineup without one of the biggest acts in global pop. The group hasn’t commented publicly, so the reason for declining remains unknown.
The report also points to a broader reality for major festivals: even a high-profile offer doesn’t guarantee a booking. Organizers are said to be nearing agreements with Dua Lipa, SZA and Tame Impala, while other artists have reportedly passed on invitations as well.
BTS reportedly declines Coachella invitation
According to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge say Coachella approached the seven-member group, but talks didn’t lead to an agreement. The report also says Rage Against the Machine turned down an invitation.
Neither BTS nor its management company, HYBE, has explained the reported decision. Goldenvoice, Coachella’s promoter, had been pursuing the group for a major appearance, according to The Korea Herald. The latest account leaves the group’s first full Coachella performance uncertain.
BTS’s reported choice arrives during a busy period for the group, but there’s no evidence that its festival discussions were connected to its separate decision about Grammy consideration. The group hasn’t linked the two.
Three other acts are reportedly close to deals
Dua Lipa, SZA and Tame Impala are described as nearly confirmed for the two-weekend festival, though Coachella hasn’t announced the bookings. The names span pop, R&B and alternative music: Dua Lipa’s hits include “Levitating” and “Houdini,” SZA has become a leading R&B artist, and Tame Impala remains a major presence in psychedelic and alternative music under Kevin Parker.
NME reported in September that Dua Lipa and Tame Impala were being considered for headlining spots. The 2027 festival is scheduled for April 9–11 and April 16–18 in Indio, California. Other Coachella coverage includes:
- Khloé Kardashian makes shocking Coachella drug claim.
- Kylie Jenner’s Coachella fun marred by ex-housekeeper’s lawsuit.
- Madonna’s Coachella experience is one of “flying high” and theft.
- Blake Lively praises Justin Bieber’s “healing” Coachella set amid legal battle.
- Paris Hilton had a bizarre Coachella restroom experience.
- FKA Twigs ignites Coachella stage “perfectly” amid rekindled court battle.
BTS also opted out of Grammy consideration
In July, BTS said it wouldn’t submit music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, following the Recording Academy’s creation of a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The group said it wanted its music judged without division by language or region.
“We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language,” the members said in coordinated statements, as reported by The Blast. The decision drew attention in part because BTS has received multiple Grammy nominations but hasn’t won.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the category as a way to broaden recognition for Asian musicians. He also said Asian pop performers remained eligible in the Grammys’ general categories.
Festival negotiations have faltered before
A separate set of reported discussions between HYBE and Coachella’s parent company involved a possible investment arrangement tied to promotional rights for BTS’s world tour, according to Bandwagon. That proposal didn’t come together, and Live Nation ultimately handled promotion for the tour.
NME has also reported that Miley Cyrus declined a Coachella 2027 headlining offer. Taken together, the accounts suggest organizers are weighing multiple options as they assemble the bill, while artists make their own choices about festival appearances.
BTS’s comeback continues into 2027
BTS returned as a group in March with the album “Arirang,” after the members completed mandatory military service. The release debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and the group began its “Arirang” world tour in South Korea in April.
The group also won three trophies at the 2026 American Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, according to The Blast. Its tour is scheduled to continue through March 2027, shortly before Coachella.
For now, the festival report remains an account from industry sources; BTS hasn’t publicly confirmed or explained a decision. Coachella’s eventual lineup announcement will show which of its reported negotiations turn into bookings.
