Recording Academy Adds Five New Grammy Categories and Expands Best New Artist Rules

The Grammys are widening their net. On June 16, 2026, the Recording Academy announced that the 69th Annual Grammy Awards will feature five brand‑new categories and a revised framework for the coveted Best New Artist honor. The changes take effect at the February 7, 2027 ceremony, which will air on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

New categories that broaden the musical landscape

1. Best Asian Pop Music Performance – This award will spotlight performers of K‑pop, J‑pop, C‑pop and other Asian pop styles, recognizing the artist on a single or track. 2. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance – A nod to singers whose work defies the current pop mainstream, celebrating pure vocal artistry. 3. Best Latin Song – Dedicated to songwriters of Latin compositions recorded primarily in Spanish. 4. Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance – Complementing the re‑imagined Best R&B Solo Performance, this category rewards R&B ensembles. 5. Best Traditional Folk Album – Added to sit beside the existing Best Contemporary Folk Album, honoring folk that preserves its roots.

The Academy’s press release framed the additions as a response to the music industry’s expanding diversity. “We’re seeing extraordinary growth across music,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “These updates come from our members and reflect the many genres, crafts and creators shaping the industry.”

Revised rules for Best New Artist

Artists can now submit up to four times in the category—up from the former limit of three—and there is no longer a cap on prior releases. A screening committee will determine whether an artist has “attained this high degree of impact in the music industry prior to the eligibility year.” However, a prior Grammy nomination automatically bars an act from consideration. The rule book also expands the voting pool, allowing more qualified members to cast ballots in additional categories.

Why the changes matter

The inclusion of Best Asian Pop Music Performance has already sparked conversation in the K‑pop arena, where acts like BTS and Blackpink have dominated global charts. The category follows a 2023 trend that added a Best Dance‑Pop Recording award, signaling a deliberate move to honor non‑Western sounds.

Best Latin Song underscores Latin music’s growing foothold in the U.S. market, aligning with existing Latin categories that honor albums, performances and songwriting. Meanwhile, the new R&B and folk awards mirror adjustments seen elsewhere: the R&B field now has a dedicated collaboration category, and the folk split echoes the country field’s 2025 division.

Industry observers note that the expanded Best New Artist eligibility could keep artists who take longer to break through in the running. Removing the release cap also reflects the current model, where many musicians release multiple projects before achieving mainstream visibility.

A broader modernization effort

These updates are part of a long‑term strategy to keep the Grammys relevant. Since its founding in 1957, the Academy has periodically overhauled categories—most recently in 2012 and 2023. The 2027 ceremony will be the first to air simultaneously on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu, following a decade‑long broadcast deal with the Walt Disney Company.

All 95 existing award categories will run alongside the five new ones. Eligible recordings span those released between August 31, 2025 and August 28, 2026. The Academy’s website lists every category and its detailed eligibility criteria.

The Recording Academy’s latest moves demonstrate a concerted effort to mirror the rapidly evolving music landscape, ensuring that the Grammys continue to honor the breadth of contemporary sound.