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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 Grammy Rule Changes for 2026, Including More Liberal Policies in Best New Artist & Best Musical Theater Album
The Recording Academy has revealed key dates and rule amendments for the 68th annual Grammy Awards. The show is set for Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Arena in Los Angeles, with nominations set to be announced on Friday, Nov. 7. More from Billboard The Grammys Add New Country Category for 2026 SEVENTEEN Achieves Seventh No. 1 on Top Album Sales Chart With 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Video Hits Two Billion YouTube Views The Academy is adding a new category, best traditional country album, and reviving an old one, best album cover. It is also consolidating two existing categories – best recording package and best boxed or special limited edition package – into one category, best recording package. Thus, there will be net increase of one category, to 95 – the highest total since 2010, when the Grammys had 109 categories. The following year, there was a major streamlining to 78 categories. The Academy also announced key dates for the 68th annual Grammy Awards season, including the show date, Sunday Feb. 1, 2026. The show will broadcast live on CBS and will stream live and on demand on Paramount+. This will be the final Grammy telecast on CBS, the Grammys' home since 1973. In 2024, Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. announced a new 10-year global deal for The Grammys to be exclusively simulcast on ABC, Hulu and Disney+ beginning in 2027. The Grammys aired on ABC in 1971 and 1972, its first two years as a live telecast. Here are the key dates in 68th Grammy Awards cycle. All dates are in 2025 unless otherwise noted. Product eligibility period: Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30 Media company registration period: July 7 – Aug. 22 Online entry period: July 16 – Aug. 29 First round voting: Oct. 3 – Oct. 15 Nominations announcement: Friday Nov. 7 Final round voting: Dec. 12 – Jan. 5, 2026 68th Grammy Awards telecast: Sunday Feb. 1, 2026 Here are the key changes in Grammy Awards categories. Where we show 'The rule:,' we are quoting directly from the 68th Grammy Awards Rules & Guidelines handbook. The academy is expanding eligibility to artists who were previously nominated for album of the year as a featured artist on another artist's album, but whose contributions fell below the current 20% playing time threshold. The rule: 'If an artist was nominated (but did not win) as a featured artist on an album of the year nominated album but their contribution was less than the current 20% playing time nomination threshold, the artist may enter this category if they are otherwise eligible.' The reason: The academy used to award album of the year nominations to anyone who was listed as a featured artist on an album, no matter how minor their involvement. That overly generous policy has had unintended consequences, as artists have been knocked out of best new artist consideration because of those earlier nominations. This rule change is intended to correct for that. The Academy is upping the number of 'principal vocalists' who may be recognized from 'up to four' to 'up to six.' The academy started awarding artists in this category in 2012. More than four artists from a musical theater album have won the award just three times. Ten artists won for Hamilton; eight for Dear Evan Hansen and five for Hadestown. A future Hamilton or Dear Evan Hansen would still run up against the six-artist limit, but that's more generous than the old four-artist limit. The rule: 'Award to up to six principal vocalist(s) with significant contributing performance(s), defined as a lead performance by a featured vocalist OR achievement certificates to all vocalists on the recording of an 'ensemble-driven piece,' defined as one in which performers have comparable musical and dramatic participation in the recording (in contrast to a musical theater work with principals and a chorus).' The academy is combining two categories, best recording package and best boxed or special limited edition package into one category, best recording package. Boxed sets were split off into a separate category in 1995. It is also reviving an old category, best album cover. The Grammy Award for best album cover dates back to the first Grammy Awards in 1959. (The first winner: Frank Sinatra, for serving as art director on his own album, Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely.) From 1962 to 1965 it was separated into classical and non-classical categories. From 1966 to 1968 it was separated into graphic arts and photography categories. In 1974, the name of the award was changed to best album package. It was changed again in 1994 to best recording package. The rule for Best Recording Package: 'An art director's award – for albums or singles. This category recognizes excellence in the field of art and packaging for albums or singles. Physical product in any configuration (standard, special edition, limited edition, or boxed sets), of any genre of music, released for the first time during the eligibility year (even if recordings were previously released) is eligible provided the packaging is predominantly new. 'The elements judged in this category include the package design, photography and/or graphic art of the entire package as well as any materials included. If the album art/packaging has been previously released, or is being reissued with only minimal new design elements, it is not eligible. 'An entry in this category is eligible if the physical product release during the applicable eligibility period either meets the general distribution requirement or was made available for purchase solely via the applicable artist's website or such artist's record company's website, so long as the release meets all other eligibility requirements, is sold as a stand-alone product, and the sales link is available to all consumers (e.g., fan club-only releases or releases through a subscription series are not eligible). The rule for Best Album Cover: 'An art director's award – for albums only. This category recognizes excellence in cover art for albums of recordings in any genre of music, released for the first time during the eligibility year (even if recordings were previously released). 'The elements judged in this category include the creativity, design, illustration, photography, and/or graphic art of the album cover. 'The album cover must be predominantly new: If the album cover art has been previously released, or the recording is being reissued with only minimal new cover art, is not eligible. 'Eligible album covers can be from digital-only or streaming-only full-length releases as well as albums that have physical configurations. Submission of an album cover in this category would not disqualify the physical package of the same release from being submitted in best recording package. Eligible entries for this category require a high-resolution digital file of the album cover be uploaded with the entry.' In addition, the Package Craft Committee is changing from three regional committees to one national committee. The academy is adding a new category, best traditional country album. The existing best country album category has been renamed best contemporary country album. Mason spoke to Billboard's Melinda Newman about the new country category. He also discussed it with 'Country music has evolved in a major way over the past decade, with traditional country experiencing a massive resurgence, growing in popularity and volume. Traditional country has a timeless, distinct sound that's inspired generations of musicians throughout the years. It's an important part of the country music story and deserves to be celebrated and recognized with intention.' The rule for Best Traditional Country Album: 'For albums – vocal or instrumental. This category recognizes excellence in albums of traditional country music, both vocal and instrumental. Traditional country includes country recordings that adhere to the more traditional sound structures of the country genre, including rhythm and singing style, lyrical content, as well as traditional country instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. It also includes sub-genres such as Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw country. 'Nominees are artist(s) of greater than 50% playing time on the album. Grammy statuettes awarded to artist(s), producer(s), engineer/mixer(s), if other than artist(s), of greater than 50% playing time on the album.' The rule for Best Contemporary Country Album: 'For albums – vocal or instrumental. This category recognizes contemporary country music recordings, both vocal and instrumental, which utilize a stylistic intention, song structure, lyrical content, and/or musical presentation to create a sensibility that reflects the broad spectrum of contemporary country style and culture. The intent is to recognize country music that remains reminiscent and relevant to the legacy of country music's culture, while also engaging in more contemporary music forms. 'Nominees are artist(s) of greater than 50% playing time on the album. Grammy statuettes awarded to artist(s), producer(s), engineer/mixer(s), if other than artist(s), of greater than 50% playing time on the album.' In classical categories, composers and lyricists/librettists are now eligible for Grammy recognition alongside all other key creative personnel including artists, producers, and engineers on winning albums. The academy is expanding recognition of classical composers and lyricists/librettists for winning albums in five classical categories – best orchestral performance, best choral performance, best chamber music/small ensemble performance, best classical instrumental solo and best classical solo vocal album. Mason discussed the rule change with 'It's so important that our rules and guidelines are fair and equitable for musicians of all crafts and varying expertise, and that the Grammy Awards truly reflect and honor the full spectrum of music creators. The update to classical categories brings lyricists/librettists & composers into alignment with how artists, producers, and engineers are acknowledged across these categories, fostering a more inclusive environment that values every creative contribution.' The physical product eligibility requirement for best recording package, best album notes, and best historical album has been expanded to be more representative of today's marketplace. This change ensures that physical album packages sold directly to fans through an artist's or label's website are eligible for Grammy consideration. The rule: 'An entry in best album notes, best recording package or best historical album is eligible if the physical product release during the applicable eligibility period either meets the general distribution requirement or was made available for purchase solely via the applicable artist's website or such artist's record company's website, so long as the release meets all other eligibility requirements, is sold as a stand-alone product, and the sales link is available to all consumers (e.g., fan club-only releases or releases through a subscription series are not eligible).' The academy approved updated language: 'For albums – vocal only. This category recognizes excellence in albums of progressive R&B vocal tracks. This category is intended for artists whose music is rooted in many of the elements of R&B but has a more progressive sound that may include elements such as hip-hop, rap, pop, dance, and electronic music. This category is differentiated from R&B and/or traditional R&B by an emphasis on experimentation and innovation, often through unconventional song structures, dynamic production techniques, and multi-genre influences that challenge traditional R&B conventions. 'Nominee is the artist(s) of greater than 50% playing time on the album. Grammy statuettes awarded to artist(s), producer(s), engineer/mixer(s), if other than artist(s), of greater than 50% playing time on the album.' The Academy approved updated language. 'For singles or tracks – vocal only. Best dance pop recording recognizes excellence in dance recordings that are rooted in electronic and club-oriented production, while incorporating elements of pop songwriting and vocals. 'Eligible recordings showcase the fundamentals of dance music, like rhythmic momentum, dynamic build-ups and breakdowns, and instrumental-driven energy shifts that define the genre. 'Dance remixes are eligible in the best remixed recording category only and may not be entered in best dance pop recording. 'Nominees are artist(s), producer(s), mixer(s). Grammy statuettes awarded to artist(s) & producer(s), mixer(s).' The Academy approved updated language, which specifies the subgenres under the umbrella term 'regional roots styles of music.' The rule for Best American Roots Performance: 'For singles or tracks – vocal or instrumental. This category recognizes excellence in American roots music performance. The category encompasses all of the subgenres of the American roots field (bluegrass, blues, folk, and regional roots styles of music, including Cajun, Hawaiian, Indigenous/Native American, Second Line brass band, Polka, Zydeco, Go-go, Swamp Pop, Conjunto and others). 'Nominees are artist(s). Grammy statuettes awarded to artist(s).' The rule for Best American Roots Song: 'A songwriter's award. This category recognizes excellence in songwriting in any of the subgenres encompassed in the American roots music field (Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk, or regional roots styles of music, including Cajun, Hawaiian, Indigenous/Native American, Second Line brass band, Polka, Zydeco, Go-go, Swamp Pop, Conjunto and others). 'Instrumentals are not eligible in this category. A song must comprise music and lyrics to be eligible in a songwriting category. 'Nominees are songwriter(s) of new material. Grammy statuettes awarded to songwriter(s) of new material.' Updated category description. The rule: 'For albums – vocal or instrumental. This category recognizes recordings of cultural roots styles of music, including Cajun, Hawaiian, Indigenous/Native American, Second Line brass band, Polka, Zydeco, Go-go, Swamp Pop, Conjunto, and others, with production and sensibilities distinctly different from a pop approach. 'These styles of music are defined as recordings that contain traditional and/or contemporary musical elements within composition and arrangement. Eligibility will be determined by the screening committee.' 'Nominees are artist(s) of greater than 50% playing time on the album. Grammy statuettes awarded to artist(s), producer(s), engineer/mixer(s), if other than artist(s), of greater than 50% playing time on the album.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Warner Bros. Discovery Ready to Offer Batman, Harry Potter, ‘Friends' as Figures for Ads
Warner Bros. Discovery characters appear in movies, TV shows, comic books and videogames. Now the company wants to make a new effort to book them cameos in commercials. As part of a new initiative known as 'WBD Storyverse,' advertisers can gain access to use some of the company's best-known characters, including those who appear in films and series such as 'Elf,' 'Harry Potter,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'The Matrix,' 'Family Matters' and 'Friends.' More from Variety Disney's Upfront Went Hard on Sports - With an Off-Key Manning Brothers Musical - but Hardly Mentioned ABC Disney's Dana Walden to CNBC's James Cramer: Streaming 'Is a Growth Business for Our Company' Jimmy Kimmel Takes On Bob Iger, Netflix and Gen Z's YouTube Habits in Upfronts Monologue: 'When You Have Kids, You'll Come Crawling Back to Disney Like Dogs!" 'Audiences have a deep connection to our stories, and we want to offer that connectivity in service to our partners,' says Sheereen Russell, executive vice president of client partnerships at Warner Bros. Discovery, in a statement. 'By blending fresh ideas with the familiarity of our beloved worlds and characters, we empower marketers to spark cultural conversations and delight consumers with meaningful moments.' To be sure, advertisers have licensed popular characters and programming concepts for years. Warner's DC Comics superheroes, for example, have regularly appeared in print ads for Hostess pastries and Snickers candy bars over the years. In more recent endeavors, Comcast was able to gain permission from director Steven Spielberg to use characters from his landmark 1982 film 'E.T.' in a 2019 Thanksgiving Day ad for cable and broadband services (it helped that Universal Pictures, the distributor of the film, is a Comcast subsidiary). NBC lured new ad deals from Volkswagen and Allstate, among others, by allowing the use of characters from famous 'Saturday Night Live' sketches in special commercials tied to the long-running program's 50th anniversary. Now Warner seems to hope to reduce some of the barriers to entry. The company says it will consider granting permission for use of characters and talent tied to past projects for advertiser that wish to use them when investing ad dollars in its linear, digital and social channels. The company has signed off on similar projects in recent months. It allowed Batman to be used in a widespread State Farm campaign that put the popular superhero in an action sequence alongside actor Jason Bateman, and granted consumer-products giant Unilever the ability to use characters from the 1989 film 'When Harry Met Sally' in a recent Super Bowl commercial that also tapped the stars of that movie, Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. These concepts can help the commercials stand apart from the rest of the pack, suggest executives who used the Warner properties. 'By weaving the iconic State Farm brand assets and humor into the world of Gotham City, we created a campaign that broke through into pop culture in a massive way, delighting everyone from casual to the most die-hard of Batman fans,' says Alyson Griffin, head of marketing at State Farm, in a statement. Unilever's Esi Eggleston Bracey, the company's chief growth and marketing officer, says the use of Crystal and Ryan helped capture market share and create 'genuine cultural impact.' Warner Bros. Discovery says it intends to offer consultative services from in-house strategists and creative experts as well as production resources, and distribution via WBD platforms and third-party licensing. . Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
CNBC
13-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden goes one-on-one with Jim Cramer
Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden joins 'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer to talk Disney's streaming strategy, quarterly results, growth opportunities and more.
CNBC
13-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Linear media has been imbedded in our streaming strategy, says Disney's Dana Walden
Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden joins 'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer to talk Disney's streaming strategy, quarterly results, growth opportunities and more.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Mufasa: The Lion King' Roars Onto Disney+ This Month
'Mufasa: The Lion King' is coming home. The Barry Jenkins-directed epic, which serves as both a prequel and sequel to 2019's reimagined 'The Lion King,' will debut on Disney+ March 26. This confirms Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden's comments last week that the film would be available 'later in March.' Now we know! Watch a new spot below: 'Mufasa' was Disney's big movie this past Christmas, premiering it in theaters on Dec. 20. The film stars Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Tiffany Bone, Donald Glover, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Blue Ivy Carter and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. It was written by Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the 2019 'Lion King' for Jon Favreau. It featured brand-new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, several of which went appropriately viral, and a score by Dave Metzger. Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home of 'Mufasa.' It joins other titles from the iconic franchise, including the original 'Lion King' from 1994, the 2019 'Lion King,' animated series 'The Lion Guard' and the recently-released 'The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl' concert special. 'Mufasa' has made more than $709 million worldwide, which was enough to make it the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2024. It hit PVOD on Feb. 18 but has still stayed in the box office top 10 in the weeks since. 'Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline,' the official release reads. 'The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.' For those physical media heads, 'Mufasa' hits 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD April 1. The post 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Roars Onto Disney+ This Month appeared first on TheWrap.
