Mark your calendars — Music’s Biggest Night is set to return with fresh surprises and a renewed focus on creativity. The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards will air live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This upcoming ceremony will not only celebrate the year’s finest in music but also debut two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover, a move that reflects the Recording Academy’s evolving approach to recognising both sonic and visual artistry.
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, emphasized the importance of these updates, stating, “The Academy’s top priority is to represent the music people that we serve each year… listening carefully to our members to make sure our rules and guidelines reflect today’s music and allow us to accurately recognize as many deserving creators as possible.” The new Best Album Cover category acknowledges the enduring impact of album visuals, while dividing the country genre into Contemporary and Traditional ensures both modern and classic styles get their due spotlight.
For those eyeing GRAMMY glory, the road to nomination is already mapped out. The Product Eligibility Period runs from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025, determining which releases qualify for consideration. Media companies must complete their registration between July 7 and August 22, 2025, and the Online Entry Period closes on August 29, 2025. From there, First Round Voting will take place October 3–15, 2025, followed by the highly anticipated Nominees Announcement on November 7, 2025. The final stretch — Final Round Voting — happens December 12, 2025, to January 5, 2026, culminating in the grand reveal of winners on GRAMMY night.
As the music world gears up for the 68th GRAMMYs, these category expansions and rule adjustments underline the Recording Academy’s pledge to keep pace with the industry’s changing landscape — ensuring that every corner of musical creativity gets its moment in the spotlight.
