Courtesy the Recording Academy
Just days before the highly anticipated 2026 GRAMMY Awards nominations are unveiled, the Recording Academy® has kicked off the week with a major announcement: the addition of over 3,800 diverse music creators and professionals to its 2025 New Member Class. This significant expansion, announced from Santa Monica, Calif., is a decisive step in the Academy’s continued commitment to foster a voting body that truly represents the vibrancy and diversity of today’s global music community.
Commitment to Diversity and Representation
The core message of this new class is one of bold representation and inclusion. The demographic breakdown is notable, with 58% of new members identifying as People of Color and 35% identifying as women. Furthermore, half of the accepted class are age 39 and under, injecting a fresh, contemporary perspective into the organization. In a landmark move, invitations were also extended for the first time ever to all Voting Members of the Latin Recording Academy®, dramatically expanding the global reach and cultural depth of the GRAMMY electorate.
Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason jr., emphasized the importance of this shift. “This year’s class reflects the vibrancy of today’s diverse music landscape,” he stated. “The addition of many Latin Recording Academy voting members underscores that music has no borders and that our mission to serve music people, regardless of where they are from, is stronger than ever.”
Expanding Influence Beyond the Ballot
These new Voting Members—a collection of artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers—will now be eligible to cast their ballots, ultimately determining the nominees and winners of Music’s Biggest Night®. Beyond voting, they will participate in crucial year-round initiatives that drive the industry forward. These programs include the DREAM Initiative for diversity, advocacy work alongside the Producers & Engineers Wing® and Songwriters & Composers Wing™, and mentoring the next generation through GRAMMY U®.
How to Watch the Nominations Unveiling
The excitement peaks this Friday, Nov. 7, when the full list of 2026 GRAMMY Awards nominees will be unveiled during a livestream event at 11:00 a.m. EST / 8:00 a.m. PST on live.GRAMMY.com and YouTube. As the Recording Academy continues its transformation into a more representative society of musical professionals—supported by sponsors like City National Bank, Dove, and Vaseline—the industry is keenly watching to see how this infusion of diverse, global talent influences the selections for the upcoming awards.
The message is clear: the GRAMMYs are working to ensure their accolade reflects the world’s listening habits. Tune in this Friday, Nov. 7, to see the first results of their hard work and passion shine through in the 2026 GRAMMY Awards nominations.
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