Latest news with #TheGrammys
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- 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
Metro
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Cannes Film Festival issues major red carpet dress code ban
The Cannes Film Festival has just announced a major shakeup to its red carpet dress code. Ahead of the 2025 festival, the iconic cinematic event has banned guests from wearing outfits that showcase full nudity or 'voluminous' ensembles.' 'For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted,' per the festival's new rules. 'The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.' The Hollywood Reporter reports that a rep for the festival said the charter was updated to reflect 'certain rules that have long been in effect.' The rep shared that the festival's intention was 'not to regulate attire per se but to prohibit full nudity on the carpet' per the institutional framework of the festival as well as French law. The update comes as red carpet looks have trended towards the sheer and revealing in recent years, with Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori famously wearing a completely see-through dress to The Grammys this year. Cannes has always had strict dress codes, specifically for screenings at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, where the most glamorous events are usually held. Black tie and evening wear is required for those screenings. The guidance reads: 'little black dress, cocktail dress, dark-colored pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants; elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel; a black or navy-blue suit with bow-tie or dark-colored tie. Tote-bags, backpacks or large bags are prohibited.' The backlash online to revealing looks has made it clear that many people agree with Cannes' stance and aren't comfortable with the evolution of modesty standards. There's a long list of celebs who have ditched bras in the past, including Doja Cat, Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus – all of whom have faced criticism for the bold choice. User @tabxssum wrote: 'I'm sorry I just find sheer dresses like these where you can see the boobs/everything but the nipple is so unprofessional/tacky. It also looks so cheap.' @DutchDidNothingWrong agreed, commenting: 'Getting sick of famous people doing acts of exhibitionism at formal events.' User @Perfect_Restaurant_4 put it plainly, writing: 'Too much nips. I'd be so embarrassed to talk to her with all her boobs right there. Topless on a beach/around the pool fine, but not boobs out at a formal occasion.' Others argued that baring it all makes stars seem desperate. @Felonious_Minx wrote: 'I have the reflex to dislike 'naked' type clothing right off the bat now because it is so common and screams desperation for attention.' More Trending But some have argued that nipple-baring looks can be empowering for women. Olivia Wilde, for example, said in a 2021 interview with Vogue that she supports 'freeing the nipple.' Wilde said: 'Absolutely. It's culturally specific because obviously in other countries there's less of a fear of the nipple. I think that we can all really benefit from making sure that we don't allow the stigmatisation of women's bodies to infect our own perspective of ourself.' She went on to call out society's 'puritanical perspective' on women's nipples, reflecting on how breastfeeding changed her relationship with her breasts. She said: 'If we are allowed opportunities to celebrate our body, it has an effect. It has an effect on how we treat one another and how we treat ourselves. I wish that in this country, we weren't so terrified of women's bodies in the way that we are and have this kind of puritanical perspective on nipples.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The 7 movies at Cannes Film Festival 2025 I'm most excited for MORE: Nicolas Cage's instantly iconic 'deranged' moment in new film was all his idea MORE: It's Gary Oldman's 'alcoholic era' but he isn't tempted to even take a sip
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake Accuses UMG Of Using Super Bowl And Grammys To Assassinate His Character
Drake's legal team has filed an amended complaint in his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's 2024 diss track 'Not Like Us.' The updated filing includes new accusations stemming from events that have transpired since the suit was first filed in January, namely The Grammys and Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show. According to the 'Nokia' artist, UMG used both events to further disparage his name and assassinate his character, arguing that many Super Bowl viewers 'including millions of children…never before heard the song or any of the songs that preceded it. It was the first, and will hopefully be the last, Super Bowl halftime show orchestrated to assassinate the character of another artist.' The complaint also notes that Lamar omitted the word 'pedophile' from his Super Bowl performance, with Drake's team 'on information and belief' insisting Kendrick would not have been allowed to perform if he actually said the word. 'That is because nearly everyone understands that it is defamatory to falsely brand someone a 'certified pedophile,'' his team argues. The complaint also notes that 'Not Like Us' — which won Grammys for Song and Record of the Year — was played during the award show's telecast, with audience members recorded singing along, something that would not have happened had UMG not approved its usage. It also noted that the song was removed from some of the ceremony's videos once they were uploaded to YouTube. There is also mention of UMG CEO Lucian Grainge high-fiving Dr. Dre while 'Not Like Us' played, fully aware of the current lawsuit in place. Drake's lead attorney, Michael Gottlieb, issued the following statement regarding the updated filing: 'Drake's amended complaint makes an already strong case stronger. UMG's PR 'spin' and failed efforts to avoid discovery cannot suppress the facts and the truth. With discovery now moving forward, Drake will expose the evidence of UMG's misconduct, and UMG will be held accountable for the consequences of its ill-conceived decisions.' UMG has since issued a lengthy response to the updated filing, arguing that Drake is being misled by his legal counsel into believing he has a shot at winning 'this frivolous and reckless lawsuit.' See the company's full response below. 'Drake, unquestionably one of the world's most accomplished artists and with whom we've enjoyed at 16-year successful relationship, is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another. In Texas last November, his counsel instituted a legal proceeding with much fanfare and bluster. On Monday, they quietly dropped the case. In New York in January, Drake's counsel filed a defamation lawsuit. Fearful of being sanctioned by the court for asserting false allegations, tonight they amended the complaint to withdraw them only to add more baseless allegations. 'Two weeks ago, his representatives celebrated a 'win': the granting of a routine discovery motion. That 'win' will become a loss if this frivolous and reckless lawsuit is not dropped in its entirety because Drake will personally be subject to discovery as well. As the old saying goes, 'be careful what you wish for.' 'Both the Texas and New York proceedings are an affront to all artists and creative expression. Should his legal representatives senselessly keep the New York lawsuit alive, we will demonstrate that all remaining claims are without merit. It is shameful that these foolish and frivolous legal theatrics continue. They are reputationally and financially costly to Drake and have no chance of success.' More from DeMar DeRozan Throws Hands After Being Accosted By Drake Fan At Sushi Restaurant Kendrick Lamar, SZA Bless Fans With Every Hit On Grand National Tour: Full Setlist Ye Calls Drake's Lawsuit Against UMG The "Biggest Victory In Music"
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake's Team Calls Out UMG Leadership: 'We Look Forward To Hearing From Lucian Grainge Under Oath'
Drake's team has fired back at Universal Music Group following the label's lengthy response to their amended complaint filed Wednesday (April 16) within his current defamation lawsuit against the company. UMG claimed in their response to the updated complaint that Drake is being misled by his legal counsel into believing he has a chance at winning 'this frivolous and reckless lawsuit' and that his team celebrating 'the granting of a routine discovery motion,' could come back to bite them, as 'Drake will personally be subject to discovery as well. As the old saying goes, 'be careful what you wish for.'' Drake's legal team claims the Toronto superstar has 'nothing to hide,' instead calling out UMG's leadership, including UMG CEO Lucian Grainge, and Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO John Janick. Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment is distributed by Interscope, and is responsible for all of Kendrick Lamar's major studio releases under Top Dawg Ent. 'Drake welcomes discovery and has nothing to hide. It's not Drake who should worry; it's UMG's current leadership. We look forward to hearing from Lucian Grainge, John Janick, and UMG employees under oath,' reads an excerpt of the detailed statement. It also makes reference to other artists who are currently disgruntled with UMG. While it doesn't mention them by name, both Iggy Azalea and Limp Bizkit have complained of being shafted by the label, with the Fred Durst-led group filing a lawsuit of their own in March. 'Drake joins a growing chorus of artists raising questions about UMG's leadership. The public and artists should be concerned about recent headlines involving UMG's largest stakeholder that only reinforces the need for transparency all the way up to the Board of Director's level,' the statement adds. The amended complaint filed this week addressed slights Drake's team feels were made during both The Grammys and Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show, weeks after the suit was originally filed in January. Read the full statement from Drake's legal team below: 'UMG's latest statement is a desperate attempt to spin the narrative and deflect from the truth: Drake is holding the largest music conglomerate in the world accountable for its actions and doing so without fear. 'We dismissed the Texas discovery action because discovery will now proceed in New York. That's not retreat, that's victory. UMG dismissed its first amendment petition in Texas because it has no claim, that's losing. And UMG knows the case against it is only getting stronger. 'Drake welcomes discovery and has nothing to hide. It's not Drake who should worry; it's UMG's current leadership. We look forward to hearing from Lucian Grainge, John Janick, and UMG employees under oath. 'UMG claims to stand for creativity, but in fact exploits it and the artist community knows that. UMG drains artists for its profits, then discards them. Drake joins a growing chorus of artists raising questions about UMG's leadership. The public and artists should be concerned about recent headlines involving UMG's largest stakeholder that only reinforces the need for transparency all the way up to the Board of Director's level. 'UMG said, 'be careful what you ask for,' Drake knows exactly what he asked for: the truth and accountability.' More from Drake Accuses UMG Of Using Super Bowl And Grammys To Assassinate His Character Serena Williams Addresses Whether Or Not Her Super Bowl Appearance Was Meant To Spite Drake Drake Reveals He's Working On New Album During Livestream With Adin Ross
Egypt Today
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Beyoncé Wins Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter at 2025 Grammys.
Beyoncé Wins Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter at 2025 Grammys. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé said, 'Wow, I really was not expecting this. Wow. I want to thank God. Oh my God! That I'm able to still do what I love after so many years. Oh my God. I'd like to thank all the incredible country artists that accepted this album. We worked so hard on it. I think sometimes genre is a code word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just want to encourage people to do what they're passionate about and to stay persistent. Wow. I'd like to thank my beautiful family, all of the artists that were collaborators, thank you; this album wouldn't have been without you. I'd like to thank God again and my fans, and I'm still in shock.' #Egypt #beyonce #TheGrammys #Grammys #grammys67
