The Recording Academy has unveiled a slate of changes ahead of the 69th Grammy Awards, including five new categories and revised eligibility rules that could reshape next year's race.
Leading the updates is the introduction of Best Asian Pop Music Performance, a new category that recognises excellence in Asian pop music originating from or widely recognised within Asian markets. Eligible entries must feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages and may include music from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and other regional pop scenes.
The move marks a significant moment for Asian music on one of the industry's biggest global stages, arriving amid the continued international rise of artists across the region.
Other newly announced categories include:
- Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance
- Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
- Best Traditional Folk Album
- Best Latin Song
The addition of these categories brings the total number of Grammy categories to 100.
Alongside the new awards, the Recording Academy has also revised several eligibility rules. One of the most notable changes affects the Best New Artist category, where artists can now be submitted up to four times before becoming ineligible, up from the previous limit of three.
The update could reopen the field for several acts who have recently enjoyed breakout success, including Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Ken Carson, Ravyn Lenae, and Geese.
The Grammys have also introduced a new voting initiative called Ballot Plus. Previously, Academy members could vote in the six General Field categories and up to 10 additional categories across a maximum of three fields. Under the new system, eligible voters with verified expertise across multiple genres may vote in up to 15 peer-related categories regardless of field.
View this post on Instagram
Other rule changes include:
- Lowering the minimum percentage of new recordings required on an album from 75 per cent to 66 per cent
- Allowing internet-only releases to qualify for Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album if accompanying materials are included in the commercial download
- Awarding Grammy statuettes and certificates to songwriters and composers who contributed to Grammy-winning albums
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the updates reflect the evolving music landscape, "The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today's music industry and the many genres, crafts, and creators shaping it."
The 69th Grammy Awards are set to take place on 7 February 2027, with the ceremony airing live via ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-