The Recording Academy Unveils Major Expansion: 95 Categories and New Awards for the 68th Grammy Ceremony

Los Angeles, February 1, 2026. The Recording Academy has announced sweeping structural modifications to the Grammy Awards, changes that will be fully implemented starting with the 68th annual ceremony, set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena. This significant overhaul signals the institution's dedication to modernization and its commitment to recognizing the multifaceted nature of the contemporary music scene.

The overall number of competitive nominations is slated to increase to 95. This substantial expansion ensures that the forthcoming awards show will be one of the most comprehensive and inclusive events in the history of the Grammys, broadening the scope of artistic expression eligible for recognition.

New Chapter for Country Music

One of the most notable additions is the creation of the “Best Traditional Country Album” category. This decision formalizes the separation of the genre into its traditional and contemporary streams, specifically honoring performers who uphold the authentic roots of country music. The criteria emphasize foundational elements such as instrumentation, storytelling, and genuine authenticity.

Harvey Mason Jr., the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, underscored the purpose of this initiative, stating that the goal is to pay tribute to:

“the timeless sound that has inspired generations of musicians.”

This new nomination provides a crucial platform for creators whose work adheres more closely to the genre's origins than to the polished mainstream. Artists such as Charlie Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, and Colter Wall exemplify the type of talent positioned to benefit from this dedicated recognition.

Visual Artistry Takes Center Stage

Another newly established category is “Best Album Cover.” This award serves as a vital acknowledgment of the contributions made by designers, photographers, and illustrators who craft the visual identity surrounding musical works. In an era dominated by digital streaming, this move carries profound symbolic weight, as the Academy effectively restores the significance of the album cover as a visual language capable of conveying the music’s atmosphere and meaning.

Historically, this represents a return to the past; the Grammy Awards featured a similar nomination back in 1959, though it was later superseded by the “Best Recording Package” award. Now, the visual component is once again elevated to the same artistic level as the auditory experience, recognizing them as two essential dimensions of a unified artistic code.

Recognition for Classical Composers

Revisions have also been made within the classical categories. Moving forward, composers and lyricists will be eligible to receive awards alongside the traditional recipients—the performers and producers. This crucial adjustment highlights the understanding that a musical work is not solely defined by its execution but is a singular creative artifact where every element, from the written note to the visual presentation, contributes to the overall whole.

These sweeping changes will apply to all eligible releases issued between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025. The initial selection process utilizing this new model is scheduled to commence on November 7, 2025. Through these reforms, the Grammy Academy takes a definitive step toward the future, acknowledging that music is not just sound, but a comprehensive space for art that unites diverse forms of expression.