Grammys Overhaul Best New Artist Rules, Add Five Categories for 2027 Ceremony

The Recording Academy is shaking things up. Specifically, the Grammy Awards announced major rule changes for the 2027 ceremony, including updates to Best New Artist and Album eligibility.

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The maximum number of times an artist may be submitted for Best New Artist has increased from three to four. Additionally, the threshold of new recordings required on an eligible album has been lowered from 75 percent to 66 percent.

Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. explained the rationale behind the Best New Artist expansion. Mason said:

“We’ve heard from the music community that the way artists are being developed is changing, and the time it’s taking to find success or recognition can take longer than it once did. Artists are often releasing more music before they actually break through the consciousness of consumers or of our voters.”

The Academy also introduced five new categories. These include Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album, and Best Latin Song.

Songwriters and composers will now receive Grammy statuettes for winning albums in most genre categories. This recognition previously applied only to producers and engineers.

The 69th Grammy Awards take place on February 7, 2027.