According to AP on 16/6, the Recording Academy announced new categories and updated several rules for the upcoming season. Organizers stated the addition of best Asian pop performance aims to recognize the genre's growing diversity and influence on the international music scene. They also added best Latin song, honoring tracks primarily recorded in Spanish.
These changes follow a historic year for global music at the Grammys. "Golden", a Kpop song from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, made history as the first Kpop track to win a Grammy award in February. Additionally, Bad Bunny became the first Latin artist in nearly 70 years to win album of the year, the most important category.
The music video for "Golden" currently has over 1,5 billion views on YouTube, nearly one year after its release. *Video: Netflix*
Hollywood Reporter observed that the Academy's recognition of these two genres reflects current global music tastes in the streaming era. Kpop, reggaeton, and regional Mexican music are among the world's most popular genres.
The three other new categories are: best traditional pop performance, best R&B duo/group performance, and best traditional folk album.
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The three Korean-American vocalists performing the hit song "Golden". From left: Rei Ami, Ejae, and Audrey Nuna. *Photo: Instagram Ejae*
Beyond expanding genres, organizers are creating opportunities for emerging artists. Each singer can now submit four nominations for best new artist, an increase from three. According to AP, this new rule aligns with the current music market, where talent needs more time to achieve breakthroughs. There is no regulation on the number of prior projects an applicant has released. A vetting committee will assess if the artist has made a significant impact in the music industry before the review period.
In a statement, Grammy Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr. said next year marks a great milestone for the awards, reflecting significant growth across the entire music landscape. "The changes approved by the Academy's members highlight the diversity of today's music industry, as well as the many genres, forms of composition, and creators shaping this field", he noted.
First held in 1959, the Grammy Awards are organized by the Academy to honor artists who have made outstanding contributions to the music industry. The general field categories include: album of the year, record of the year, song of the year, best new artist, producer of the year, and songwriter of the year (the latter two not for classical music). The next awards ceremony is scheduled for 7/2/2027.
Phuong Thao (according to AP, Hollywood Reporter, BBC)
