One of America’s most watched awards show is getting an overhaul.
The Grammy’s will be dropping more than 30 categories, in its biggest overhaul in the Grammy’s 53 year history, dropping the number of categories from 109 to 78.
“It ups the game in terms of what it takes to receive a Grammy and preserves the great esteem of which it’s held in the creative community, which is the most important element,” Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow, told the Associated Press.
Musicians will no longer receive awards in rap performance by a duo or group, some instrumental categories in pop, rock and county, traditional gospel, children’s spoken-word album, Zydeco or Cajun music album, and best classical crossover album, according to the Associated Press.
The Grammy’s explanation for restructuring some of their categories was:
It was deemed most appropriate to look at the more mainstream fields as a group, as well as individually. The desire was not only to tighten the number of categories in general, but to create a sense of parallel structure among these fields. For example, it was determined that each should have four categories in total.
Part of the restructuring means categories like Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance will fall under the category of Best Pop Solo Performance. And the category for best hard rock, and best metal performance will be combined into one category: Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.
The loss of certain categories may make it harder for lesser known artist to win awards, but as part of the overhaul, each category is required to have at least 40 entries instead of 25.
“Every year, we diligently examine our Awards structure to develop an overall guiding vision and ensure that it remains a balanced and viable process,” Portnow said in a statement.
“After careful and extensive review and analysis of all Categories and Fields, it was objectively determined that our GRAMMY Categories be restructured to the continued competition and prestige of the highest and only peer-recognized award in music. Our Board of Trustees continues to demonstrate its dedication to keeping The Recording Academy a pertinent and responsive organization in our dynamic music community.”
Other categories that were dropped can be seen on the Grammy’s website.
With Associated Press
