The Recording Academy has approved five new Grammy Award categories, set to debut at the 69th edition in 2027, in a move aimed at reflecting the expanding diversity of global music.
The categories were formally announced on June 16, 2026, following the Academy’s annual review of its rules and category structure.
The new additions are Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Latin Song, Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance and Best Traditional Folk Album.
The Academy said the expansion is designed to improve recognition for distinct genres, songwriting traditions and performance styles across an increasingly global music industry.
Best Asian Pop Music Performance will recognise contemporary pop from Asian music scenes, while Best Latin Song will honour songwriting excellence in Latin music.
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance will focus on vocal-driven recordings rooted in classic pop traditions.
READ ALSO:Â Fela Kuti Honoured With Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In R&B, a new category for collaborations and group performances has been introduced, separating them from solo entries.
Folk music will also see the introduction of Best Traditional Folk Album alongside a renamed Contemporary Folk category.
Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr. said the changes reflect efforts to keep the Grammys aligned with the evolving global music landscape.
The expansion builds on earlier reforms aimed at widening international representation.
At the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024, Best African Music Performance was introduced to recognize African sounds on the global stage.
South Africa’s Tyla won the inaugural award with Water, ahead of nominees including Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Asake, Olamide and Musa Keys.
At the 67th edition in 2025, Nigerian singer Tems won with Love Me JeJe, while Tyla reclaimed the prize at the 68th Grammys in 2026 with Push 2 Start, becoming the first two-time winner in the category.
The Academy said the latest reforms reflect the rising global influence of Afrobeats, amapiano, Latin and Asian pop, they will be introduced at the 2027 Grammy Awards.