Grammys Expand Categories and Modernize Rules for 2027 Awards
The Recording Academy announced five new award categories and several rule updates for the 69th Grammys, reflecting today’s evolving music landscape ahead of the February 7, 2027 ceremony (on ABC/Disney+/Hulu). New categories include Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album (with the existing Folk Album category renamed Best Contemporary Folk Album), and Best Latin Song; existing categories are adjusted—Best R&B Performance is renamed Best R&B Solo Performance and Best Folk Album is renamed Best Contemporary Folk Album. Ballot Plus provides an opt-in, up-to-15-category voting option, while eligibility changes lower the album threshold from 75% to 66% and expand Internet-only releases to be eligible for Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album when notes accompany the digital release. Songwriters and composers on winning material will receive statuettes and certificates in parity with producers and engineers. All updates stem from a member-driven process, with the next Grammys slated for Feb. 7, 2027 across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu.
