The Recording Academy has expanded the Grammy Awards with the introduction of five new categories set to debut at the 2027 edition of the prestigious music awards.
The newly added categories are Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Latin Song, Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, and Best Traditional Folk Album.
The move marks the Academy’s latest effort to increase representation across diverse musical traditions and emerging global genres.
The additions come two years after the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category, a milestone recognition for African music at the Grammys.
The category made its debut at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024 and was created to celebrate recordings that showcase African musical traditions and cultural expressions.
South African singer Tyla became the first recipient of the award with her hit track Water, beating nominees including Burna Boy, Davido and Musa Keys, Ayra Starr, as well as Asake and Olamide.
At the 67th Grammy Awards in 2025, Nigerian singer Tems won the category with Love Me JeJe, becoming the second artist to claim the honour.
Tyla regained the award at the 68th Grammy Awards with PUSH 2 START, making history as the first artiste to win the Best African Music Performance category twice.
The creation of the African music category reflected the growing international influence of genres such as Afrobeats and amapiano, both of which have gained widespread global audiences in recent years.
The Academy’s latest reforms continue that direction, with the new categories aimed at recognising distinct musical styles, songwriting traditions and collaborative performances.
Best Asian Pop Music Performance will honour contemporary pop recordings by Asian artistes, while Best Latin Song will celebrate excellence in songwriting within the Latin music industry.
The 2027 Grammy Awards will be the first ceremony to feature all five new categories, further widening recognition for artistes from different musical cultures and traditions around the world.