The Recording Academy announced on Thursday (June 9) that they’re introducing five new categories to The Grammys starting next year.
According to a press release available on Grammys.com, the five new categories to be awarded at the 2023 GRAMMYs include Songwriter Of The Year (Non-Classical), Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, Best American Performance and Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media categories.
“We’re so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. “The Academy’s top priority is to effectively represent the music people that we serve, and each year, that entails listening to our members and ensuring our rules and guidelines reflect our ever-evolving industry.”
In addition to the aforementioned categories, a new Special Merit Award will be given out for Best Song For Social Change. The award will be based on lyrical content that “addresses a timely social issue and promotes “understanding, peacebuilding and empathy.”
“It’s always the right time to recognize music that’s changing the world,” Mason Jr adds. “I think it deserves a special recognition. These songs are important and impactful. We want to make sure we’re honoring and celebrating that artform. This is a great way to do that.”
The Recording Academy also updated its album eligibility rules. Previously, albums were required to contain 50 percent or more newly recorded or previously unreleased recordings to be eligible for nomination, but that number will now rise to 75 percent. The 65th annual Grammy Awards ceremony is currently scheduled for Jan. 31, 2023.