The globally acclaimed music Awards, Grammy Awards on Friday announced change of rules and put an end to the so-called “secret” committees that have led to allegations that the highest honors in the industry are open to rigging.
Instead of the 15 to 30 industry experts, the nominations for the next Grammy Awards in January 2022 will be selected by all of its more than 11,000 voting members.
The Academy was criticized last year when Canadian artist The Weekend got zero Grammy nominations, even though his critically acclaimed album After Hours was one of the biggest sellers of 2020.
“The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans, and the industry transparency.”
The Weeknd, in a Twitter post last November, said.
In a statement, the Recording Academy said that the changes were significant and were made “to ensure that the Grammy Awards rules and guidelines are transparent and equitable.”
The former chief executive of the Recording Academy, Deborah Dugan made the allegations with a legal complaint in 2019 that the Grammy nominations process is tainted.
The Academy dismissed as “categorically false, misleading and wrong” Dugan’s claims that its members pushed artists they have relationships with. Dugan was later fired.
American pop star Halsey, also shut out of the 2021 Grammys, last year called the nominations process “elusive” and said she was “hoping for more transparency or reform.”
Singer Zayn Malik called in March for an end to “secret committees.”
“I’m keeping the pressure on & fighting for transparency & inclusion. We need to make sure we are honoring and celebrating ‘creative excellence’ of ALL.”
Malik tweeted hours ahead of the 2021 Grammy Awards ceremony.
Further two new Grammy categories — for best global music performance, and best Latin urban music album — were added by the Recording Academy on Friday which brings to 86 the total number of Grammy Awards each year.
