Grammy Awards adds categories, implements voting changes

The Grammys will implement some changes for its 64th annual ceremony next year.

Two new categories – best global music performance and best música urbana album – will be added, bringing the total number of award categories to 86.

In addition, the Recording Academy is eliminating nominations review committees in the general and genre fields. Nominations will now be determined by a majority, peer-to-peer vote among voting members of the Recording Academy; previously, a group of about 15-30 music peers represented and voted within their specific genres to determine the final selection of nominees.

Grammy Awards voters will also now only vote in 10 specific genre fields – reduced from 15 – to ensure that music creators are only voting in categories in which they are most knowledgeable and qualified. All voters, however, will be able to cast a ballot in the four “general field” categories – record, song and album of the year and best new artist.

“This is a new Academy, one that is driven to action and that has doubled down on the commitment to meeting the needs of the music community. While change and progress are key drivers of our actions, one thing will always remain — the Grammy Award is the only peer-driven and peer-voted recognition in music,” said Harvey Mason Jr., chair and interim president/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We are honored to work alongside the music community year-round to further refine and protect the integrity of the Awards process.”

The eligibility period for the 64th annual Grammy Awards is Sept. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021. The 2022 ceremony will take place Jan. 31 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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