- The Grammy Awards have announced significant changes to the best new artist eligibility and introduced five new categories, including best R&B collaboration and best Latin song.
- The Recording Academy has changed its album eligibility requirements, reducing the percentage of new recordings needed from 75 percent to 66 percent to allow more entries recognized as new albums.
- The rule change is beneficial for Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Ken Carson, and Ravyn Lenae, who had previously been entered three times and would have been disqualified under the old rules.
The Grammy Awards are set to undergo significant changes for their 69th edition on Feb. 7, 2027, with the introduction of five new categories, including Best R&B Collaboration and Best Asian Pop Music Performance.1
The Recording Academy has also revised the eligibility criteria for the Best New Artist category, increasing the maximum number of submissions from three to four. This change aims to accommodate the evolving nature of artist development, as noted by Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who 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.”2
The new categories will enhance recognition for diverse musical genres, with the Best R&B Collaboration acknowledging excellence in contemporary R&B performances, while the Best Latin Song will honor newly-written Latin songs predominantly in Spanish.
Additionally, the Academy has lowered the threshold of new recordings required on an eligible album from 75% to 66%, aiming to reduce the exclusion of widely recognized new albums. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for artists like Ella Langley, who previously faced disqualification under the old rules.3
The changes reflect a broader trend in the music industry, where artists are releasing more music before achieving mainstream success. The Academy's updates are a response to feedback from the music community, acknowledging that the time it takes for artists to gain recognition has evolved significantly.
“The Grammy Awards have introduced significant changes to the best new artist eligibility rules, now allowing more submissions. Additionally, five new categories have been added, enhancing the recognition of diverse musical talents.”
Variety
Rolling Stone
Billboard