The Recording Academy just expanded music’s biggest night with a massive announcement. On Nov. 7, 2025, they revealed 95 Grammy categories, up from the previous total. Two completely new awards join the lineup: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards take place on Feb. 1, 2026.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Nominations announced: Friday, Nov. 7 at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
- New categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover
- Award shows broadcast: CBS and Paramount+ on Feb. 1
- Live voting closes: Jan. 5, 2026 for final winners
Historic Expansion: What Changed for 2026?
The Recording Academy made strategic moves to better represent modern music trends. The new Best Album Cover category celebrates visual artistry in the streaming age. This recognizes that album artwork matters just as much as the music itself.
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The Best Traditional Country Album category splits country music into clearer segments. Best Country Album got renamed to Best Contemporary Country Album. This distinction honors both classic country roots and current commercial sounds.
“The nominations livestream event will feature some of the biggest names in music today unveiling the nominees across all 95 GRAMMY Categories.”
How to Watch the Live Nominations Announcement
The 2026 Grammy nominations air today (Nov. 7) starting at 11 AM ET. You can stream for free on live.GRAMMY.com or the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel. Major celebrities will announce nominees across all 95 categories.
Presenters include Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, and others. The livestream runs continuously, followed by a wrap-up show. Mark your calendar—this is the moment artists discover their nominations.
The Voting Timeline: What Happens Next?
Here’s the complete schedule for reaching Feb. 1, 2026:
| Phase | Dates | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Nominations Round | Oct. 3 – Oct. 15, 2025 | Academy members vote to determine 95 categories |
| Nominees Revealed | Nov. 7, 2025 (TODAY) | All nominees announced across music categories |
| Final Voting | Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026 | Members vote on winners in each category |
| Winners Announced | Feb. 1, 2026 | Live telecast on CBS and Paramount+ |
Not all voting members participate in all categories. Academy members can vote in up to 10 categories using their genre expertise. This ensures quality voting across the 95 total categories. The system balances accessibility with knowledge.
What Success Looks Like: Category Impact
Adding two new categories signals the music industry’s evolution. The Best Album Cover category acknowledges vinyl resurgence and streaming design trends.
Young artists especially benefit from expanded categories. More opportunities mean more chances to compete. The Best New Artist category always attracts breakthrough talent. Country music gets deeper representation now.
These changes reflect what fans actually consume. Visual appeal matters in social media. Traditional sounds deserve their own space. The Recording Academy listens and adapts annually.
Will Your Favorites Win This Year?
The 2026 Grammy Awards bring fresh drama to the music world. 95 categories mean countless storylines. Big powerhouses compete alongside emerging talents. Country music explodes with new division possibilities. Visual artists gain recognition for album cover work.
Who’ll top the general field? Can pop music dominate like usual? Will hip-hop break records? When Feb. 1, 2026 arrives, all these questions get answered. For now, tune into today’s livestream and cheer for your picks.
Sources
- Recording Academy – Official Grammy Awards announcements and voting guidelines
- LA Times – Coverage of 2026 Grammy nominations announcement
- NPR – Details on new Grammy categories for 2026
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.