The Grammys Allow Streaming-Only Songs To Be Nominated

Today marked an important change in The Grammy nomination process that allows songs only available via streaming to be considered for the award. This is big news for upcoming artists and could instigate an interesting (and hopefully more diverse) shift in the entire landscape of the accolades. Here’s a statement from Bill Freimuth, the Academy’s Senior Vice President of Awards, on the recent decision:

The Recording Academy announces rule amendments & dates for the 59th #GRAMMYs process: https://t.co/gbFujsjDFz pic.twitter.com/LpHS5BYR5k

— The GRAMMYs (@TheGRAMMYs) June 16, 2016

Multiple other categories have been also been updated, most notably the lowered song requirement (to only 5 songs instead of a full album) for ‘Best New Artist’ and the change from ‘Best Rap/Sung Collaboration’ to ‘Best Rap/Sung Performance’ (which can now be won by a single artist instead). It’s certainly encouraging to see the Grammys adapt to the constantly changing music industry like this, and the excitement certainly is felt throughout Chance The Rapper’s camp. That’s right. Coloring Book could snatch the Grammy. Even with that great news, Chano was optimistic for all of the other talented people out there as well and tweeted:

The victory this morning isn’t about me, it’s about all the Soundcloud albums that may now be recognized for excellence. — Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) June 16, 2016

While there are still plenty of specifications, mainly technical, written into each of these adjustments to the awards, there was a massive positive response to the changes across social media today. Streaming doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, so this move really makes sense. Good on you, Grammys.

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[Image courtesy of Charleston Gazette-Mail]

The Grammys Allow Streaming-Only Songs To Be Nominated