Grammy Season 2026: Dates and Updates Announced
The Recording Academy has revealed key information for the upcoming Grammy season. The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony is set to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominations will be announced on November 7, 2025.
Updates to Grammy Rules and Categories
The Grammys have introduced some changes to their rules and categories for this year’s awards. A detailed list of these updates can be found in the Recording Academy’s official rulebook. One notable change is the addition of a new award for Best Traditional Country Album. As a result, the existing Best Country Album category will be renamed Best Contemporary Country Album.
Changes to the Best New Artist Category
The academy has modified the rule for the Best New Artist category. Artists who were previously featured on an album nominated for Album of the Year can now be nominated for Best New Artist, provided their contributions to the album were 20 percent or less.
New Categories and Changes
In the packaging category, a new award for Best Album Cover has been introduced. The Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package categories will be merged into a single category. Additionally, in the classical category, composers and lyricists/librettists will now be recognized alongside other key creative professionals, including artists, producers, and engineers, on album credits.
Eligibility and Voting Schedule
Music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, is eligible for the 68th Grammy Awards. The online entry period will take place from July 16 to August 29. The first round of voting will occur from October 3 to 15, with nominations announced on November 7. The final round of Grammy voting will run from December 12 to January 5, 2026.
A Message from the Recording Academy
"The Academy’s top priority is to represent the music community we serve every year," said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "This includes carefully listening to our members to ensure our rules and guidelines reflect today’s music and allow us to recognize as many deserving creators as possible. As we embark on another exciting Grammy season, we look forward to celebrating the incredible power of music and its ability to bring so many people together."
