The Grammys Introduce New Awards For Less-Recognized Creators To Shine

To turn the spotlight on talents that may not feature much in mainstream music, the Grammys are adding new categories to its 2023 awards, as part of the event’s largest increase of awards added in 28 years.

One of the new trophies will be awarded to the ‘Songwriter of the Year’ for non-classic music, to recognize an individual within the industry who is the “most prolific” non-performing and non-performing songwriter for the year. 

To be eligible for the category, musicians must have written a minimum of five songs in which they are “solely” credited as a songwriter or co-writer. 

According to Billboard, the Recording Academy is also introducing the ‘Best Song for Social Change’ award to highlight submissions that contain lyrical content addressing a social issue, and promote “understanding, peace building, and empathy.” 

However, this prize will not be considered as part of the regular Grammy Awards, but will feature as a special award similar to that of the Lifetime Achievement and Music Educator awards.

The four other new categories span ‘Best Spoken Word Poetry Album,’ ‘Best Alternative Music Performance,’ ‘Best Americana Music Performance,’ and ‘Best Score Soundtrack’, bringing the total of awards that will be given out at the event to 91. 

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that the academy took about a year of sifting through proposals, additions, and updates to decide on the new categories—and that ultimately, he doesn’t believe the number of awards given out is the most important factor.

Instead, he feels that the most important thing is to recognize “music in a way that music is being made,” and highlighting those who deserve the recognition. 

[via Billboard and The Hollywood Report, cover image via Elliott Cowand | Dreamstime.com]