Ahead of the 69th Grammy awards, scheduled for February 7, 2027, organisers — The Recording Academy — have announced a sweeping set of rule changes and five new award categories in a move aimed at better reflecting the evolving global music landscape.

The new categories, which will debut at the 2027 Grammy Awards, are 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.

According to the Academy, the additions that affect artiste eligibility, voting procedures, and award classifications are aimed at ensuring the Grammy Awards continue to reflect the evolving global music landscape while broadening recognition for creators across genres and disciplines.

The introduction of Best Asian Pop Music Performance is expected to generate significant interest globally, particularly among fans of K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and other Asian-language music that have witnessed explosive international growth in recent years.

In a statement, the Academy said the changes emerged from its annual review process involving music creators and industry professionals within its membership. One of the most notable revisions is an update to the Best New Artiste category, where the maximum number of times an artiste can be submitted has been increased from three to four. The adjustment acknowledges the changing nature of artiste development, where breakthrough success often takes longer.

Chief Executive Officer of The Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr. described the changes as a reflection of the industry’s continued growth and diversification. “These updates speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts, and creators shaping the future of music,” he said.