The Recording Academy has made adjustments to its regulations for the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards, introducing five new categories. The organization recently revealed the inclusion of a best Asian pop music performance category, recognizing achievements in K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and related genres.
A new category for best traditional pop vocal performance has been created to honor artists whose music diverges from contemporary pop styles. Additionally, a new award for best Latin song will acknowledge songwriters of predominantly Spanish-language Latin music.
Changes have also been implemented in the R&B and folk categories. A new award for best R&B collaboration or duo/group performance has been introduced alongside the revamped best R&B solo performance category. Similarly, the folk category has undergone a transformation, mirroring the changes seen in the country genre last year, with the best folk album category now split into best contemporary folk album and best traditional folk album.
Aside from the expansion of categories, modifications have been made to the criteria for certain awards, most notably affecting the best new artist category. Artists can now submit for this category up to four times, an increase from the previous limit of three, reflecting the evolving music landscape where breaking into the industry can be a gradual process.
Furthermore, there is no set limit on the number of previous releases an artist can have, with a screening committee tasked with assessing an artist’s impact on the music industry in the eligibility year. Artists with prior Grammy nominations are ineligible for the best new artist category.
The Grammys will also permit select members to vote in more categories. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year, stating, “2027 is going to be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we’re seeing across music.” Mason highlighted the collaborative efforts of Recording Academy members in adapting to the diverse music landscape and celebrating the industry’s evolution.
