Grammys increase nominees in top categories

The top categories whose nominees have been expanded from five to eight are Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.

“This change will better reflect the large number of entries in these categories and allow voters greater flexibility when selecting this year's best recordings,” the Recording Academy said.

“These changes and others will be in effect for the 61st annual Grammy Awards, as the Recording Academy continues to ensure the process remains as appropriate, current and relevant as possible.”

The Recording Academy has also introduced a review committee for the World Music category that this year included African artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Tinariwen. The former walked away with the Best World Music Album Award for Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration.

“Grammy Award nominations for the World Music Field will now be determined through its own nominations review committee," the Recording Academy said. 

"The top 15 selections from the general voting membership’s first ballot will be sent to a trustee-ratified committee of voting member experts who will listen to the recordings and vote via a secret ballot to narrow the selections to five nominations.” 

The academy will also award music supervisors in one of its categories. 

“Music supervisors of nominated albums will now be considered Grammy nominees in the Best Compilation Soundtrack Album category. Music supervisors will no longer be eligible for consideration as album producers, unless they produced at least 51% of the album in question.”

People took to social media to add their comments about the changes. One Facebook user wrote: “Do any of these rules require the voters to actually listen to the material? Or at least know the true meaning behind each category? And does it touch on their electoral college at all? If not, I'll pass.”

Another said: “As with anything, people will need to vote and be aware of the nomination process if they want to see a change.”