GRAMMY Awards Add Five New Categories, Including Songwriter of the Year

etonline.com:

GRAMMYs are shaking things up. In a press release on Thursday, the Recording Academy announced five new award categories «as part of the organization's commitment to evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape.»After reviewing «proposals from the music creators and professionals that make up its membership body,» the Recording Academy revealed the new awards will include: Songwriter Of The Year (Non-Classical), Best Alternative Music Performance, Best Americana Performance, Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media, and Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.A post shared by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@recordingacademy)These changes are set to go into effect immediately, meaning the awards will be introduced at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards taking place in 2023.

Along with the additional categories, the Recording Academy is creating a new special merit award for Best Song For Social Change. «This Special Merit Award will be determined by a Blue Ribbon Committee and ratified by the Recording Academy Board of Trustees,» the press release stated. «Submissions must contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy.»«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,» Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement with the news.