Grammy 2026: new categories and key adjustments
The Recording Academy modified its rules for the 2026 Grammy Awards. It incorporated five new categories and adjusted criteria in others. Among the most notable changes: a category for best Asian pop performance, recognizing releases from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and similar genres. The prize will be awarded to the performer.
An award was also created for best traditional pop vocal performance. According to the academy, it looks for works that “cannot blend adequately with current forms of pop music.”
Another novelty: the best Latin song will recognize composers for songs recorded predominantly in Spanish. In addition, R&B adds an award for best collaboration or duo/group, while the best solo performance category is reformulated.
Folk was split into two: best contemporary folk album and best traditional folk album, similar to the change applied to country last year.
Best new artist: now with up to four chances
The best new artist category allows an artist to submit up to four times, instead of three. The goal is to reflect a market where success can take longer. There is no maximum limit on previous releases. A committee evaluates whether the artist had already achieved high impact before the year of eligibility. Anyone who has already been nominated for a Grammy is not eligible.
Additionally, certain qualified members will be able to vote in more categories.
“2027 is going to be an incredible year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we are seeing in all of music,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Member-driven changes…represent the breadth of today’s music industry.”
These modifications seek to adapt to the evolution of the global market, with emphasis on Latin and Asian music. The 2027 ceremony (which awards the best of 2026) will be the first to apply the new rules.
