Recording Academy introduces new Grammy categories for 2027 awards

The 2027 Grammy Awards are scheduled to be broadcast live on 7 February 2027. The additions increase the total number of Grammy categories to 100, up from 78 categories in 2012, when several awards were consolidated or discontinued.

The new categories are Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Latin Song.

The Recording Academy said it had also refined several existing categories, including Best New Artist. Under the revised rules, artists will now be permitted to submit for Best New Artist up to four times, compared to the previous limit of three submissions.

In a statement, the Academy said: “These updates provide greater clarity around an artist’s impact during the eligibility period and more flexibility in the number of times an artist can submit, reflecting the evolving nature of artist development.”

Changes have also been made to album eligibility requirements. The threshold for newly recorded material required on an album has been reduced from 75% to 66%, a move intended to broaden eligibility for projects widely recognised within the industry as new albums.

In addition, internet-only releases will now be eligible for consideration in the Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album categories, provided the accompanying notes and supplementary materials are included with the commercial download.

The Academy has also expanded recognition for songwriters and composers. Those responsible for new material on winning albums in most genre categories will now receive Grammy statuettes and Achievement Certificates, bringing their recognition in line with that already awarded to producers and engineers.

The voting process will also undergo changes through the introduction of Ballot Plus, an optional system designed for voting members with expertise across multiple genres. The initiative allows eligible members to vote in up to 15 peer-related categories, replacing the existing 10/3 voting structure for participants who opt in.

To participate, members must submit professional credits by a specified deadline and undergo a verification process. Those who do not opt in, miss the submission window, or fail verification will continue to receive the standard ballot.

Further details on Ballot Plus are expected to be provided to voting members in the coming months.

Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr. said the changes reflected developments across the music industry.

“2027 is going to be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we’re seeing across music,” Mason said.

“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. We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the music people who are driving music forward.”

The changes will take effect for the 2027 Grammy Awards cycle.