GRAMMY Awards Add Five New Categories, Update Guidelines for Best New Artist

The Recording Academy has announced its latest series of updates to the GRAMMY Awards ahead of the next ceremony on February 7, 2027. Primarily, there will be five new categories up for grabs as well as new guidelines for the Best New Artist and Best Album awards. For complete updates, read page six of the official rule book.

Best New Artist:

• This award is historically debated given the nebulous idea of what is “new.”

• For 2027, the total number of times artists can be submitted in this category will be raised from three to four.

• Speaking on the update, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said: “The way artists are being developed is changing, and the time it’s taking to find success or recognition can take longer than it once did.”

Best Album:

• This umbrella includes Best Rock Album, Best Dance/Electronic Album, etc.

• For a release to be considered, it must now consist of 66% new music. Previously, it was 75%.

• That means if an album is filled out with remixes, extended versions, or live recordings, it can still be considered for a Best Album GRAMMY.

• Songwriters who contributed to winning albums will now receive statuettes and Achievement Certificates.

New categories:

• Best Asian Pop Music Performance.

• Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance.

• Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

• Best Traditional Folk Album.

• Best Latin Song.