Grammys revamp categories for 2026, adding five new awards

The Recording Academy is significantly reshaping the Grammy Awards for 2026, announcing the addition of five new categories and modifications to existing rules.

Among the new honors are a category for Best Pop Album of Asian Origin, celebrating K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and other Asian pop music. A Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance award will recognize artists whose work doesn't fit current pop trends. Additionally, a new Best Latin Song category will honor songwriters for predominantly Spanish-language tracks.

The folk and R&B categories are also seeing changes. Folk music will now have Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Traditional Folk Album awards, mirroring a shift seen in the country music categories last year. R&B gains a Best Duo/Group Pop Vocal Performance award, alongside a revamped Best R&B Solo Performance category.

A notable adjustment affects the Best New Artist category. The eligibility window has been expanded, allowing artists up to four previous Grammy nominations, a change from the previous three. This update aims to better align with the modern music landscape, where artists may take longer to achieve significant industry impact. A review committee will assess an artist's "high degree of impact" before their eligibility year.

"2027 is going to be an incredible year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we are seeing across all of music," said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "The changes driven by our Recording Academy members account for the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts, and creators shaping it."

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2027 is going to be an incredible year for the Grammy Awards, and one that reflects the extraordinary growth we are seeing across all of music. The changes driven by our Recording Academy members account for the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts, and creators shaping it.