The Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, has made significant strides in addressing long-standing criticisms regarding diversity and representation. In a recent announcement, the Academy revealed it has surpassed its 2019 goal of adding 2,500 women to its voting body by 2025, achieving this milestone ahead of schedule.
Harvey Mason jr., the Academy's president and CEO, expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating, "It tells me that we were severely underrepresented in that area." This achievement is part of a broader effort to reform the Academy's membership and voting processes, which began in response to controversies surrounding the representation of women and people of color in major award categories.
Since 2019, the Academy has added approximately 8,700 new members to its voting body, bringing the total to over 16,000 members, with more than 13,000 eligible to vote. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year's figures. Notably, the Academy has also seen a 63% increase in members who identify as people of color.
The Grammy Awards, first held in 1959, have undergone significant changes over the years. The introduction of new categories, such as Best Rap Performance in 1989 and Best Reggae Album in 1985, reflects the evolving landscape of music. However, the recent focus on diversity aims to address deeper structural issues within the industry.
Mason emphasized the importance of intentionality in the membership process, stating, "We're very specific and intentional in who we asked to be a part of our academy by listening and learning from different genres and different groups that felt like they were being overlooked, or they weren't being heard."
The Academy's efforts mirror similar initiatives in other entertainment industries. For instance, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, founded in 1927, implemented changes to its voting privileges in 2016 in response to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.
"Going forward, we're going to continue the work. We're going to continue to grow."
The Recording Academy's new membership model requires proof of a primary career in music, two peer recommendations, and 12 credits in a single creative profession, with at least five from the past five years. This approach aims to ensure an active and relevant voting body.
While progress has been made, challenges remain. Currently, 66% of voting members are men, 49% are white, and 66% are over 40. Mason acknowledges there is room for improvement, stating the goal is to be "the most relevant, the most reflective, the most accurately representative of the music community that is humanly possible."
As the Grammy Awards continue to evolve, these changes reflect a broader shift in the music industry towards greater inclusivity and representation. With 84 categories as of 2024 and a rich history dating back to its first televised ceremony in 1971, the Grammys remain a significant platform for recognizing musical achievement across diverse genres and backgrounds.
The impact of these changes on future Grammy ceremonies remains to be seen. However, the Academy's commitment to diversity and inclusion suggests a promising direction for the future of music's biggest night.