The Recording Academy has announced five new categories for the 69th Grammy Awards, set for February 2027. This update highlights an emphasis on traditional music.
New Award Categories
The five 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
- Best Latin Song
Apart from these, the Grammys have renamed two existing categories. The Best R&B Performance is now Best R&B Solo Performance. Best Folk Album becomes Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stated, “2027 is going to be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we’re seeing across music.”
Recognition of Traditional and Global Music
The Recording Academy aims to honor traditional music, ensuring genres are properly acknowledged. With the globalization of music, the influence of the Grammys extends beyond Western culture. Recognizing the rise of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean pop, the category Best Asian Pop Music Performance will include K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and works featuring significant use of Asian languages.
Fans have positively received these changes, welcoming the focus on Asian music. The updates promise a more inclusive and compelling Grammy Awards.
Upcoming Events
Events for the 69th Grammy Awards begin on July 7 with the start of the online entry period. The first voting round occurs in October, with nominees announced on November 16. The main ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on February 7.