What Happened to Grammy Awards?

Established in 1957 by the Recording Academy (formerly the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences), the Grammy Awards were first presented on May 4, 1959, to honor musical accomplishments from the previous year. The awards were conceived to provide an industry-specific recognition akin to the Oscars for film and Emmys for television. Over the decades, the number of categories expanded significantly, reflecting the emergence of new musical genres and technologies.

The early 2020s brought a period of intense scrutiny and change for the Grammys. The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in January 2020 were overshadowed by the dismissal of then-President and CEO Deborah Dugan, who alleged systemic sexism, voting irregularities, and conflicts of interest within the Recording Academy. This controversy, coupled with the tragic death of Kobe Bryant on the day of the ceremony, highlighted the institution's internal struggles and external pressures. In response to ongoing criticism about representation and transparency, the Academy has made efforts to diversify its membership and refine its voting processes.

Viewership has been a persistent challenge for the Grammys, mirroring a broader trend across live awards shows. While the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024 saw a four-year high with 16.9 million viewers, the 68th ceremony on February 1, 2026, experienced a decline to 14.41 million viewers across CBS and Paramount+. This decline, particularly among younger demographics, underscored the need for the awards to adapt to fragmented media consumption habits. A pivotal turning point came with the announcement on October 30, 2024, of a new 10-year broadcast deal, moving the Grammys from CBS, its home for over 50 years, to ABC, Disney+, and Hulu starting in 2027. This move aims to leverage streaming platforms to reach a wider, more global, and younger audience.

In preparation for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards in 2027, the Recording Academy announced several new categories and rule amendments in June 2026. These included 'Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance,' 'Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance,' 'Best Traditional Folk Album,' 'Best Latin Song,' and notably, 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance.' However, the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category immediately sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could segregate Asian artists rather than promote equitable recognition. On July 29, 2026, the globally renowned South Korean group BTS announced their decision not to submit music for Grammy consideration, citing concerns that the category divided music by region rather than celebrating it universally.

As of August 19, 2026, the Recording Academy is actively reconsidering the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. confirmed on August 14, 2026, that discussions with various stakeholders, including artists and representatives from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and Indian music communities, are underway to ensure the awards appropriately represent artists. This ongoing dialogue reflects the Grammys' continued effort to balance tradition with the demands for greater inclusivity and relevance in a rapidly changing global music industry, all while preparing for a significant new chapter in its broadcast history.