The Recording Academy adds five new Grammy categories, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance, while also updating voting and eligibility rules ahead of the 69th Grammy Awards.
The Recording Academy has announced significant changes for the 69th Grammy Awards, including the introduction of five new award categories. Among them is the much-anticipated Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which aims to recognize the growing influence of Asian music on the global stage.
The new categories will debut at the Grammy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 7, 2027.
Grammy Awards Introduce Best Asian Pop Music Performance
One of the biggest additions is the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. The award will honor outstanding performances in Asian pop music that originate from or are widely recognized within Asian markets.
The category will include popular genres such as K-pop, J-pop and C-pop. Furthermore, eligible recordings must feature meaningful use of one or more Asian languages.
The move reflects the increasing global popularity of Asian artists and music genres, which have attracted millions of listeners worldwide over the past decade.
Four More New Grammy Categories Added
In addition to the Asian pop category, the Recording Academy has introduced four other awards.
These new categories are:
- Best Latin Song
- Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance
- Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance
- Best Traditional Folk Album
As a result, artists from a wider range of musical backgrounds will have more opportunities to receive recognition at the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony.
Changes to Grammy Eligibility Rules
The Recording Academy also announced updates to its voting and eligibility guidelines.
One notable change affects the Best New Artist category. Previously, artists could only be submitted for consideration three times. If they failed to secure a nomination after those attempts, they became ineligible.
However, labels can now submit artists up to four times.
This adjustment could benefit rising performers who experience a breakthrough later in their careers.
Ella Langley Gets Another Opportunity
Country music singer Ella Langley is one artist expected to benefit from the revised rule.
According to industry reports, Langley has been entered for Best New Artist consideration during the past three years but did not receive a nomination. Now, she will have another chance to compete following what many consider the strongest year of her career so far.
Recording Academy Highlights Music Industry Growth
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the updates reflect the evolving music landscape and the diversity of artists shaping today’s industry.
He stated that the changes were driven by Academy members and are designed to recognize a broader range of genres, creators and musical achievements.
According to Mason, the 2027 Grammy Awards will showcase the extraordinary growth currently taking place across the global music business.
When Will the 2027 Grammy Awards Take Place?
The 69th Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on February 7, 2027.
The ceremony will be available on:
Music fans can expect a ceremony that reflects a more diverse and international music industry, with Asian pop music now receiving dedicated recognition for the first time in Grammy history.