The Recording Academy has announced the introduction of two new categories ahead of the 2026 Grammy awards ceremony.

The new categories are Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.

According to the Academy, the additions reflect its commitment to recognising a wider range of artistic expression and the evolving ways music is created and experienced.

The 2026 Grammys is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the ceremony to be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streamed live and on demand on Paramount+.

Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer Harvey Mason Jr. said the organisation remains focused on celebrating creativity on a global scale.

“Music knows no borders, and neither does our commitment to those who make music. Building on 25 years of success with the Latin Grammys, we are adding even more members from outside the United States and expanding GRAMMY categories,” he said.

In the lead-up to the awards night, the Academy has lined up a series of week-long events to celebrate the music community and this year’s nominees, including programmes organised by the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC).

As part of the celebrations, the BMC will host the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors on 29 January 2026 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The event will honour the careers of music icons Pharrell Williams, Brandy and Kirk Franklin.

“Pharrell, Brandy and Kirk are true visionaries and masters of their craft. Each has built a legacy that transcends genre, defies convention and shapes culture” Mason jr. said.

“Their artistry continues to inspire generations of artists around the world. I’m thrilled to join the Black Music Collective in honoring three of music’s brightest stars in January and celebrating their immeasurable contributions to the industry.”