The Recording Academy will introduce five new categories in the 69th Grammy Awards scheduled for February 2027. These categories aim to give special recognition to traditional music.

The newly added categories 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. This addition reflects the academy’s goal to honor diverse music genres.

Changes also involve renaming two existing categories. The Best R&B Performance Category becomes Best R&B Solo Performance, while Best Folk Album is now Best Contemporary Folk Album. These updates demonstrate the academy’s adaptation to evolving music styles.

Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “2027 will be an amazing year for the Grammy Awards. This reflects the extraordinary growth in the music industry.” Mason highlighted the academy’s commitment to acknowledging various genres and creators pushing the industry forward.

The inclusion of traditional categories, like Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance and Best Traditional Folk Album, aims to celebrate traditional music distinct from its contemporary counterparts.

Globalization influences the Grammys beyond the Western sphere. Asian music, such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop, has gained worldwide popularity. Recognizing this shift, the academy introduces the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, acknowledges music in Asian languages, and earns applause from fans.

The events leading to the 69th Grammy Awards commence on July 7 with the online entry period. Following this, a 10-day first-round voting period occurs in October, and nominees will be announced on November 16. The main awards ceremony will take place on February 7 in Los Angeles.